Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society for the year December ended 31st 2014 2014 REVIEW 2014

2014 REVIEW – ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NORTH OF ENGLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY Caughall Road Upton by Chester Chester CH2 1LH Tel: 01244 380280 Tel: Fax: 01244 371273 Email: [email protected] www.chesterzoo.org Registered Charity Number 306077 Registered North of England Zoological Society Registered Company Number 287902 Registered Alaotran gentle lemur with her young born Zoo in 2014. at Chester assist anyone with special needs obtain a copy in theSociety. Zoological England appropriate of North the by 2015 July Published format. Chester Zoo is licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act, 1981. In the interests of conservation and educational study, this report may be freely copied without may be freely this report of conservation and educational study, Chester Zoo is licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act, 1981. In the interests alteration or amendment and stored by electronic means without formal permission. It is also available to download from our website. The our website. means without formal permission. It is also available to download from by electronic alteration or amendment and stored NEZS is happy to 2 2014 Zoo Review AnnualAnnual Report Report of the of theNorth North of England of England Zoological Zoological Society Society 3 67

Our Vision A DIVERSE, THRIVING AND APPENDICES ON CD SUSTAINABLE NATURAL WORLD. CONTENTS 1. Chester Zoo Annual Report Chairman’sSpecies Statement Holdings,...... Roles and IUCN Red List Status 2 2. Chester Zoo Organisational Structure Director9. General’sMammals Review...... 4 Managing Director’s Review...... 5 3. Chester Zoo Staff on External Boards 10. Birds Our Mission Highlights of the Year...... 6 4. Brief Biographies of the Director Team Reflections11. Reptiles on the Year...... 7 5. Brief Biographies of the Trustees Strategy12. 2013Amphibians - 2018 ...... 8 6. Discovery and Learning Members’ Talks Natural13. Vision Fishes Masterplan...... 10 TO BE A MAJOR FORCE IN CONSERVING Progressing our Mission...... 12 7. Zoo Research and Scientific Publications 14. Invertebrates BIODIVERSITY WORLDWIDE. 8. Worldwide Conservation Activities In-Zoo15. Developments Plants in 2014...... 13 16.Key SummaryDevelopments of Conservation in the Animal Status and of Plantthe Collection Collection.... 13 Supporting the Animal and Plant Collection...... 16 17. About the Chester Zoo Collection Plan Science Investigations...... 17 18.Discovery Summary and of Learning All Roles...... 18 Commercial Developments...... 19 Chairman’s Statement Marketing and Public Relations...... 20 Memberships and Adoptions...... 21 Trusts, Grants and Sponsorship Received ...... 22 Act for Wildlife...... 23 BUILDING ON OUR SUCCESS Staffing, Organisation, Structure and Training ...... 24 Health and Safety...... 25

Following the completion of the roof of a dramatised version of the founding of formally approved and Malcolm Ardron, Conservation ...... 26 the Monsoon Forest last October, the Chester Zoo. Angela Pinnington and Simon Venables were Realm of the Red ...... 27 sheer scale of the Islands development formally elected as Trustees of the Society. The Assam Haathi Project...... 28 Membership of the Society also continued has become even more apparent. This Before the statutory items of business, there Protecting China’s Forests...... 29 to rise, reaching a record level of 57,835 in remarkable building, together with the was a review of the events of 2014, and a Philippines Conservation...... 30 2014. This represents an increase of almost extensive outdoor elements of the scheme, question and answer session with the zoo Saving Species in the Mascarenes...... 31 8,000 on the previous year, and 15,000 will soon be providing members and other Directors present. Black Rhino Conservation...... 32 since 2012. visitors with an immersive wildlife experience Saving Chimpanzees in Nigeria...... 33 Early in 2014 the Trustees formally endorsed unlike anything that has been seen before in The success of Chester Zoo has been People and Wildlife...... 34 the second five year Strategic Plan for the recognised by a number of awards this Frogs to the Fore...... 35 this country. Society for the period 2013-18. Work will year. TripAdvisorTM awarded the zoo a Conserving British Wildlife...... 36 The main contractors, Laing O’Rourke and soon commence on developing an even 2014 Certificate of Excellence, signifying Chester Zoo Conservation Grants...... 37 Read Construction, are completing their longer-term strategy, both in terms of the that it has consistently earned outstanding Global Partnerships for Progress...... 38 work on the project, while other specialists masterplan for the zoo itself, and the role of feedback from their travellers. Significantly, Islands Under Threat...... 39 are finalising the detailed planting and the organisation in worldwide conservation. the zoo won the 2014 TripAdvisorTM Keeper for a Day Scheme...... 40 theming that will bring Islands to life. The Travellers' Choice Attraction Award: Best Zoo Expedition 2014...... 41 last few months of the project will include rated zoo in the UK. It also came second an acclimatisation and testing phase, during in Europe and sixth in the world in these Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31st December 2014...... 42 which animals will transfer to their new awards for and aquariums. Chester Reference and Administrative Details of the North of accommodation, allowing them to adjust Zoo was voted the UK’s Best Animal or England Zoological Society, its Trustees and Advisors... 42 to their surroundings before the opening in Sea Life Attraction at the Group Travel Professor Peter Wheeler, Chairman, Structure, Governance and Management...... 43 July. Awards in London in June 2014, and the North of England Zoological Society Objectives and Activities...... 45 Following its construction last year, the Tourism Experience or Event of the Year for Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31st December 2014.. 45 Nature Reserve was officially opened by our Lantern Magic event at the Marketing Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities...... 46 the well-known natural history writer and Cheshire Annual Awards 2014. We were broadcaster, and NEZS Trustee, Professor also awarded the Silver Medal for our Independent Auditor’s Report...... 47 Stefan Buczacki on 13th May 2014. This Summer Garden ‘The threatened islands of Financial Statements...... 48 milestone event marked the first phase of a South East Asia’ at the RHS Flower Show at Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities...... 48 development that we hope will grow within Tatton Park in July 2014. Balance Sheets...... 49 the land holding of the zoo, both in area and The German conservationist Roland Consolidated Cash Flow Statement...... 50 maturity, over future years. Wirth, who has been involved with the Principal Accounting Policies...... 51 zoo since the late 1980’s, was the 2014 2014 was the busiest ever for the zoo with Notes to the Financial Statements...... 53 recipient of the NEZS Gold Medal for his total visitors numbering 1,432,867. The outstanding lifetime achievements in species record-breaking numbers in September, Looking Ahead to 2015...... 64 conservation. October, November and December were helped not only by the fine autumn weather The 80th NEZS AGM that took place in Appendices (on CD)...... inside back cover and successful events such as Lantern the Lecture Theatre on 24th June 2014 Magic, but also the publicity arising from was again a well attended event. The 2013 We would like to thank all the kind people who gave us Cover: We have bred two Black crowned cranes in 2014. the popular BBC television series Our Zoo, Annual Report and Statutory Accounts were permission to use their photographs for this report. This page: Grevy’s zebra born at Chester Zoo in 2014. 4 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 5

Director General’s Review Managing Director’s Review CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE WHILST LOOKING FORWARD 2014 - A RECORD YEAR!

2014 was always going to be an first ever ‘Chester Zoo Expedition’ where and determination to found our zoo be so interesting year. Many of our staff we took a few of our in-house experts and beautifully told. and our Trustees spent a tremendous staff drawn at random from all areas of If you read last year’s Annual Report, I celebration of gardens, birds and UK wildlife. There were some very welcome new existing zoo and have prepared us for what amount of time and energy planning, the zoo to the west coast of Ecuador to talked about preparing the zoo for the At the opposite end of the year, Lantern additions to the animal collection in 2014. will undoubtedly be the biggest year in designing and building the Islands continue important research into the biology future. In many respects, the future Magic made more records attracting 28,000 Details of these can be found on pages 13- our history when it is likely records will be project, which you will read more of the Ecuador amazon parrot, a bird many is here as we work towards opening visitors to a pre-Christmas tour of the site at 15 however I must highlight the arrival of made again as we make final preparations Islands this coming summer. night. The December event went on to win about later in this Annual Report. This of you will know is close to my heart. It is the Aye-aye, an Endangered and enigmatic to open Islands later in the year. Someone work will continue to accelerate as we my intention that there will be an official the Marketing Cheshire “Best Event” Award I met during 2014 said Islands was going nocturnal lemur. I am delighted that we As Managing Director, part of my get closer to the opening in 2015 and expedition each year to give as many of our for 2014. to be “game changing” for UK zoos and I are involved in this European Breeding responsibility is to ensure operational wrestle with the all important details. am sure its opening will change the whole staff as possible the experience of assisting Programme. Our dedication to working in the readiness following the long period of Despite unpredictable summer weather, we dynamic of the Upton site forever. Islands is Even so, 2014 turned out to be an with our conservation and education efforts field to conserve species and habitats was construction. We have watched a series of also had some record numbers and working the start of what we want the future zoo to extraordinary year in a number of ways. around the world. demonstrated by us taking over responsibility grassed fields slowly turn into a landscape with the Girl Guide Association helped Firstly it was record breaking with our look like and will shape the creation of future Early in the year we were all thrilled to hear of the Gashaka Biodiversity Project in of accented buildings, planted banks, huge regional Brownie groups break a Guinness highest ever number of visitors! You master planning as we move through the of the BBC’s intention to produce a period Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria. enclosures and river crossings that will World Record with over 1,500 sleeping will find more details of the records forthcoming year. drama series depicting the Mottershead theme this amazing new experience. under a single roof during September. broken within Managing Director Jamie It is a great privilege for me to lead this family’s trials and adventures in buying Christon’s report. zoo with our staff who share George My report went onto say that the zoo had We respect and value the views of our Oakfield House and creating Chester Zoo. Mottershead’s passion, drive and to remain focused on the opportunities and members and visitors. The content of social NEZS, Chester Zoo is a conservation The amazing story of George Mottershead’s determination to make NEZS, Chester Zoo challenges ahead. Although Islands has media channels and websites such as and education charity. I was delighted to vision and determination to form Chester the best it can possibly be. My sincere been and remains a big part of our life on a TripAdvisorTM form part of the analysis of see two initiatives finally come to fruition Zoo has up until now, been relatively thanks to the Directors, Trustees, Members, day to day basis, I was pleased that we have our service standards and so in August we Jamie Christon, Managing Director in 2014 that I have wanted us to do for unknown especially compared to the stories staff and all who visited us in 2014 for their surpassed previous year’s performance right were delighted to be named top zoo in the some time. Firstly, the opening of the first of other great zoo founders like Gerald tremendous support. across the spectrum within the existing zoo. UK in their traveller’s awards, and the sixth phase of a Nature Reserve on our very own Durrell O.B.E. That the programme was in the world. land. This was a hugely significant event, enjoyed by millions of people across the UK The building blocks for future growth allowing us, in the long term, to get the best with its wonderful authenticity and charm are there, evidenced by having a record With records in spring, summer and winter, possible value for wildlife from our extensive was in great part thanks to the involvement breaking year welcoming 1,432,867 autumn was no exception with weeks of land holding and demonstrating that of George’s daughter, June Williams, who visitors during 2014. I reported over 50,000 glorious sunny weather and the founding of members of NEZS in 2013, this increased to the zoo being dramatised on BBC1 prime conservation of our local, native biodiversity was wonderfully depicted as an eight Mark Pilgrim, Director General nearly 58,000 in 2014. Records were even time in a series of programmes called Our is as important as the often more exotic year old in the series by Honor Kneafsey. set with over 1,500 animal adoptions in the Zoo. The result boosted visitor numbers to biodiversity overseas. It was very fitting Honor really captured June’s deep love of month leading up to Christmas smashing a an all-time high throughout the season and that wildlife expert, TV presenter and NEZS animals and wonderful sense of fun. June, Left: The Director General Mark Pilgrim and record last made in 2009. created millions of pounds of PR, promoting Trustee Professor Stefan Buczacki officially who remained a great friend to the zoo, Professor Stefan Buczacki at the opening our vision and mission nationally and opened this first phase. I must thank all sadly passed away in May 2015 but we event of our Nature Reserve. The zoo team have worked towards internationally. those volunteers and sponsors who made know she had enjoyed seeing the amazing Right: Honor Kneafsey as June (Our Zoo) a package of year round events and this possible. The second initiative was our story of her father’s great passion, drive with June Williams. attractions. In spring we saw Bloom, a These records were all set within the Above: Managing Director Jamie Christon. 6 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 7

Highlights of the Year Reflections on the Year 2014 AT A GLANCE FROM THE EXECUTIVE TEAM

Mark Pilgrim, Director General “In the future, when we look back on 2014, it will probably be remembered as the year we prepared for Islands. While this is very much true, a great deal of our focus was on ensuring that every detail of the Islands project is of the highest standard, 2014 holds many other nice and significant memories for me. Leading the zoo’s first overseas expedition to the forests of western Ecuador, including a number of staff randomly selected from across all departments, filled me with pride. In often uncomfortable conditions the team were excellent and we collected a great deal of very important data on the biology of the Ecuador amazon parrot that assists us to produce a conservation action plan and we also had a lot of fun. The opening of the first phase of our very own Nature Reserve on our land holding was a major milestone for the zoo. Being voted the best zoo in UK and sixth best zoo in the world by millions of visitors on TripAdvisorTM was a great morale boost to us all, indicating that while we are certainly on the right track as a fabulous zoo we still have room to improve.”

Jamie Christon, Managing Director “2014 was my first full year and was jam packed with memorable events. Many of these were achievements that had been reached in previous years but were then superseded by record breaking results and outstanding levels of work and commitment in 2014. Examples include record breaking months of September, October, November and December which led to the year of 2014 achieving the highest number of visitors ever. Our busiest day ever on record in August, was soon followed by being voted by our JANUARY MAY SEPTEMBER visitors as the number one zoo in the UK by TripAdvisorTM and sixth in the world. Other highlights include watching the filming of Our Zoo and then the pride as it was screened on national TV, then in December A team of staff lead by Dr Mark Pilgrim travel Our two-acre Nature Reserve, created to Our Zoo, a six-part TV drama based on the welcoming almost 28,000 visitors to Lantern Magic, nearly a 100% growth on 2013. Overarching all of to Ecuador to research the Ecuador amazon help UK native species, opens. inspiring story of the zoo’s founder George this was witnessing the ongoing development of Islands, on a week by week, month by month basis and parrot. We welcome the arrival of two warthog Mottershead and his family in the 1930s, seeing it grow from nothing into readiness for summer 2015.” Amphibian experts trial a technique to tag a piglets, the first to be born here. opens on BBC One. population of 80 of the zoo’s Golden mantella experts begin a study on Kifaru, a 29 year old Eastern black rhino, frogs with silicone implants, which could play orangutans’ teeth in a bid to help arrives from Hanover Zoo to bring vital new Simon Mann, Development Director a part in helping to save one of the smallest conservation projects in Malaysia and blood to the European population of this rare and most spectacular frogs in the world. species. “2014 was an exciting and eventful year. Our Islands project developed from a massive civil engineering Indonesia. exercise into a site that by the year-end had iconic buildings, bridges and a river largely structurally We celebrate 80 years as a wildlife charity complete. These are the framework for the plants, animals and artefacts that will tell the story of South FEBRUARY by launching Me, You & the Zoo, an online East Asia’s ecological diversity and beauty, and capture our visitors’ imaginations from summer-2015. JUNE archive of personal pictures, films and A rare Grevy’s zebra foal, a female named Many individuals, teams and organisations are contributing to bring this dream to reality and I am stories from the zoo’s history. Merida, is born – the first of its kind to be Four year old Spectacled bear Bernardo reminded over and over of the importance of teamwork and cooperation in delivering this milestone project born at the zoo for over 30 years. Two new arrives from the USA as part of our plans to whilst maintaining the high quality of animal welfare and visitor enjoyment within the existing zoo.” Komodo dragons arrive from France. breed the animals. OCTOBER Bloom, a season of events to celebrate Births include a Wide-eyed lemur, yet We hold our annual Go Orange fundraising gardens, birds and UK wildlife is launched. another first for the zoo. campaign, raising over £16,000 for We help the Large heath butterfly back to a orangutan conservation. MARCH nature reserve after a 100 year A rare anoa calf – the world’s smallest Stephanie Sanderson, Science and Education Director absence. species of wild cattle – arrives after a 282 We release the first video animated fly- day pregnancy for first time mum, Oana. “2014 has been an excellent year. We have made great strides forward in using science to support the through of how our new £39m Islands animal and plant collection and our skills and expertise have been recognised with a bumper crop of project will look. JULY Building work on Islands enters the final stages, as the roof on Monsoon Forest is scientific publications. Our educational offer grows from strength to strength with even more opportunities The Ecuador amazon parrot is given a new Official figures reveal we are England’s most finished. for our visitors to engage with our staff and animals. And of course there is the Islands project for which visited attraction outside London, for the ‘Endangered’ status from the IUCN with we have been developing a new approach to connecting our visitors with conservation work out in the third year running. help from findings from our expedition to NOVEMBER field. Islands provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about how exhibit design impacts visitors’ South America in January. perception and understanding and this information will be critical in shaping our future developments.” APRIL Delight as we win Event of the Year for Lantern Magic at the Marketing Cheshire AUGUST Vets, keepers and doctors swing into Annual Awards. action as orangutan Vicky successfully Delight as we are named the UK top zoo undergoes a sinus operation – the first time and Europe’s second best zoo in the DECEMBER the procedure had ever been carried out in TripAdvisorTM travellers’ choice awards. Liz Carnie, Finance Director the UK. We gear up for the opening of Islands in Birth of male tapir, Zathras, the first male to summer 2015 by launching a new interactive Four Humboldt penguin chicks hatch “Joining in January 2014 I quickly realised that it would not only be an exciting year in itself but that be born at the zoo in eight years. website. bringing the zoo’s penguin colony of with significant changes ahead we must continue to ensure our systems and controls evolve with us. penguins to over 35. A male Philippine mouse deer described as Christmas comes early for keepers with the Operational achievements and milestones were evidenced in our financial performance for the year and “not much bigger than a rabbit” moves to very special delivery of a rare Rothschild we were pleased to report both a record income and surplus, with income up 6% on the previous year the zoo. calf, Zahra. and net incoming resources before other recognised gains and losses of 19%. Capital investment of our funds in the Islands project progressed at a pace alongside the continued upgrade of existing zoo facilities. Left: The opening of our two-acre Nature We finish the year on a high with a record breaking 2014, visitor figures reach Behind the scenes we upgraded our finance system and developed our website and management Reserve in May. information systems in preparation for the opening of Islands.” Right: The first UK orangutan sinus 1,432,867 the highest in our 84 year history! operation. 8 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 9

North of England Zoological Society Strategy 2013-2018 A NATURAL VISION

Throughout 2014, the Trustee-approved strategy ‘A Natural Vision’ informed and guided the management team in planning, achieving and developing our mission and supporting business activities.

Strategic objective 1 Strategic objective 2 Strategic objective 3 Strategic objective 4 Strategic objective 5 Strategic objective 6 To ensure that our To be a world class ‘must To be a centre of excellence To ensure long term To ensure that our staff are To ensure an excellent conservation and see’ visitor attraction, in for animal and plant care commercial viability recognised as being at the external reputation that educational activities, both terms of quality, service and based on sound scientific through excellent business heart of the organisation builds trust and allows us to in the zoo and globally, enthralling experiences. principles. practices. and influence the success influence our stakeholders. achieve the greatest of everything we do. conservation impact.

This means: This means: This means: This means: This means: This means: • having more control and influence over our • providing immersive, authentic experiences, • providing best practice animal and plant • broadening our income base via new • helping people innovate, assessing • developing and creating a clear brand and field programmes; for visitors across all sectors of society, so husbandry and care; markets, products, funding and land use; leadership and capability and producing a awareness of what we want to be known increasing the reach; people development plan; for; • ensuring that we get the most conservation • ensuring our facilities are fit for the purpose • developing better intelligence and market impact from the collection; • providing a personalised visitor experience; of providing excellent care; analysis and exploiting this data to better • ensuring we have excellent recruitment, • receiving industry recognition across understand our customers; selection and induction processes; multiple disciplines through awards; • understanding the expertise and • establishing and evaluating what it means • focusing our science to support specialisms of our staff and development of to be ‘world class’; conservation and animal welfare; • working smarter to drive down costs; • improving staff facilities and staff welfare; • protecting our reputation and having robust new skills required; crisis management processes; • consistently provide high quality visitor • sharing our skills and experience both • increasing winter revenue; • developing a culture that means that • empowering people to make facilities; internally and externally. everyone is an ambassador for our work; • developing strategic lobbying on the issues environmentally positive life style changes; • revision of the pricing strategy. that we feel strongly about; • maintaining year-round, high quality visitor • training and development including • evaluating the conservation impact of our experience; succession planning and building capacity; • ensuring greater public engagement with activities; our science and technology, conservation • continuous improvement of site • developing a system of reward and and commercial activities; • ensuring that we consider the presentation standards. recognition that includes performance environmental sustainability of all that we management, pay and benefits; • continuing liaison with our partner do. organisations and peers, e.g., BIAZA, • initiating cross-functional working groups EAZA, WAZA, IUCN, ALVA; that build in flexibility. • providing support and expertise to targeted zoos throughout the world in partnership with like-minded organisations to improve the general public perception of zoos.

1. Logo of our Gashaka Biodiversity 5. Our staff getting involved with the Go 6. Chester Zoo winning Event of the Year Conservation Project in Nigeria. 2. Our immersive Butterfly exhibit. 3. A young orangutan. 4. Products on sale at the zoo’s Ark shop. Orange campaign. Award. 10 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 11

Natural Vision Masterplan DEVELOPMENT DURING 2014

Rock Bridge and Bamboo Bridge for The zoo’s Maintenance Team have continued reduced from 0.31 kg per visitor to 0.26kg example – and each bridge is thematically to support all core activity including the per visitor. Sustainable procurement and linked to an island. decommissioning of the Bugs! exhibit and environmental behaviour change are other the set-up of the Christmas Lantern event. key aspects promoted within the EMS, The 50,000 plants within Islands will be To deliver improved animal welfare the and the Green Team continues to promote distinctive, and many are unique to specific team have performed pool modifications at initiatives and support colleagues with policy islands in the scheme. They will include Wetlands, made animal transit crates and implementation in these areas across the some large trees and a variety of palms executed additional containment works at business. and bamboo species as well as shrubs and Islands and mixed Asian and sloth ground cover. The water channel for the A modified Type 2 Carbon footprint was exhibits. Thousands of scheduled servicing Lazy River Boat Trip passes through different undertaken in 2014, covering our emissions and responsive repairing and maintenance terrains and the planting selected for the from energy, water and waste/recycling. This activities have also been carried out. waterside will help retain the soil along the evidences a footprint of 4,565 tonnes CO2e Mechanical, drainage and electrical upgrades steeper stretches. Truly exotic species will which is a reduction of 10% on the 2013 have also occurred to support commercial be located in the Monsoon Forest where figure. activity and deliver infrastructure to serve 1.4 the canopy trees will rise to a height of nine million visitors. On 1st May 2014 auditors for metres (and continue to grow each year) the Green Tourism Business providing habitats for tree-dwelling and forest Oakfield House has been subject to particular Scheme (GTBS) undertook floor birds and other fauna. attention in consideration of the expected a comprehensive audit of increased interest in the building following the The 14 river boats have been built in Germany our environmental practices Our Zoo TV series, with a full refurbishment and will be themed with seven different and we were delighted to planned for the future. designs in North Wales. Four of them have receive the scheme’s Gold access for disabled visitors. They will be Award following ratification by Environmental Management guided by pulley around a 450 metre channel, the GTBS. passing through misty gullies, stony river On 1st October 2014 we were re- Our Environmental Manager is vice chair of beds, and sandy beaches and taking in accredited to the ISO 14001 standard for the BIAZA Environmental Sustainability Group. unique views of the animals, some at eye our Environmental Management System The most notable input in 2014 was his work level, across dry and wet moats. Evidence of (EMS). We remain as proud today of our on the development of BIAZA-wide KPIs Sunda gharials, turtles and other species as continued accreditation to this internationally for environmental performance and revision well as fishing, hunting and conservation work recognised standard, as when we became of the BIAZA guidelines for environmental will be visible from the safety of the boat. the first UK zoo to achieve it in 2004. business best practice. To accommodate the additional visitors It provides a methodical, auditable and attracted by Islands the zoo negotiated independently accredited structure for Members of the zoo’s Green Team release of some 16 acres to provide managing environmental legal compliance participated in events to promote its work parking for extra vehicles and has invested and driving performance improvement. including the Local Authority Green Day held at the Chester Town Hall. significantly in approved highways works to In 2014, in consideration of the zoo’s promote better traffic flow to and from the Natural Vision strategy, (in particular site. We are also delivering infrastructure to strategic objective one which encompasses support sustainable travel choices and will be environmental sustainability) the EMS was constructing a cycle path along the A41 in the subject to a full revaluation to ensure its next 12 months. objectives remained harmonious with both strategy and mission. Nature Reserve The Nature Reserve, with trees and a dipping Key Objectives pond, opened in spring 2014 and provides Success was achieved in each of the key a home to a variety of native wildlife. It is EMS objectives. Those most notable when intended that this will form the nucleus of Islands buildings including enclosures housing authentic buildings and a permit office comparing to 2013 to 2014 were: a larger reserve in years to come as funds tigers, babirusa, cassowary and other where the visitor’s expedition concludes. As expected, the past year has been an become available. species and visitor facilities: the shop, toilets reduction in whole site energy exciting and at times challenging period, Other contractors have performed a range 12% and restaurant. They are also completing all given the complex nature of the Islands of specialist services. These include glazing Existing Zoo 26% reduction in mains water use in the the public visitor spaces. project both architecturally and technically. for the Sunda gharial underwater viewing targeted ‘primary user group’ Although the main focus of activity has been Contractors Laing O’Rourke Ltd continued The restaurant will in fact be a ‘street within the Monsoon Forest and for other the Islands project, the existing zoo has 5% reduction in single car occupancy for to deliver the Monsoon Forest building, kitchen’ taking inspiration from South East viewing windows, rockwork to reflect not been neglected over the past year. In staff commuting to work. and the extensive infrastructure for the Asian cuisine with eating terraces giving different geographical features across the 2014 investment was made in renewing the site. They were joined on site by Read views of anoa, the children’s play area and islands and construction of ten bridges. Humboldt penguin decking and redecorating Construction Ltd in August 2014. The latter Manado Town, which comprises a Sulawesi The names of the bridges describe their 40 site buildings and structures including On-site recycling rates continue to increase are contracted to construct 17 themed street scene complete with tuk tuk vehicles, very different appearances - Dragon Bridge, catering kiosks and toilets. and waste sent off-site for recycling Left: Islands site. 12 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 13

Progressing our Mission CONSERVATION AROUND THE WORLD In-Zoo Developments KEY DEVELOPMENTS: ANIMAL AND PLANT COLLECTION DURING 2014

Mammals 2014 saw a continued focus on the Islands development. With construction under way, the team has been working to make sure all new enclosures are built to allow the highest standards of animal welfare and to ensure keeper and visitor safety. Breeding management and the import and export of stock has also been essential preparation for this exciting project and the zoo celebrated the birth of a female Lowland anoa calf in October, the first female to ever be born at the zoo and a great success for this Endangered species. Other breeding success for Islands stock this year included a and a Babirusa piglet. With two Javan banteng females imported from European zoos, and two calves born, the current herd has increased to seven individuals. The zoo brought three adult warty pigs from the European Breeding Programme and a new species in preparation for Islands: Through the implementation of our strategy, directly to conserving biodiversity can be While we can be justly proud of our the tiny Philippine mouse-deer arrived in July all of the activities of NEZS Chester Zoo divided up into three activities: breeding results and our work in the field from Rotterdam Zoo. either directly or indirectly support our protecting species and habitats at grass The breeding of species within a mission ‘to be a major force in conserving roots level, perhaps our most important role There have also been some key births and captive environment for which there is biodiversity worldwide’. Throughout the in long term conservation of biodiversity is arrivals for core zoo stock this year including pages of this Annual Report you will find a real need as part of an action plan for in inspiring people to care enough about a female Grevy’s zebra born in February. some wonderful examples of activities that species. nature to take some action. The more Highlights over the summer months included throughout the year in support of this One nice example of the breeding success than 1.4 million people who visited Chester the birth of two Critically Endangered mission. of Critically Endangered species in the zoo Zoo in 2014 and especially our members, (an Alaotran gentle lemur and provide us with a wonderful opportunity for a Buffy headed capuchin), a male South Tragically the need is greater than ever in 2014 was the Baer’s pochard, a small engagement. Through our zoo exhibits and American tapir and two cubs. and while habitat destruction remains the duck whose wild population is suffering an extremely rapid decline. We were delighted our messages we need to connect people In the summer we also saw the departure greatest threat to biodiversity an extremely with wildlife, inspiring them to appreciate worrying trend is the accelerating growth to successfully rear 30 of these birds in our of two longstanding zoo residents: 46 year specially developed waterfowl breeding it and the value it brings to our lives and old female Asian elephant Jangoli moved of the illegal trade in wildlife. This trade the lives of other people. Biodiversity is is having enormous adverse effects on facilities. There are many other examples to Madrid after 20 years at the zoo and 15 crucial to human wellbeing, sustainable Birds biodiversity. It is of such a scale that wild of breeding successes that occurred year old Eastern black rhino male Sammy throughout the year which can be found development and poverty reduction. But left after 12 years to go to his new home in populations of some charismatic species people - particularly those in the developed Our Curator of Birds and a Bird Keeper such as rhinos, elephants, tigers and later in this report. Port Lympne as part of breeding programme spent two weeks at the end of January in the world - have become so far removed from recommendations. may be traded to extinction within a few Direct support of conservation nature that they have forgotten how much Cerro Blanco Forest in Ecuador, participating years. This trade is behind the highest projects and programmes in nature they, and others, rely on it. The group, temporarily in the zoo’s first field expedition, the focus of rates of poaching of rhinos and elephants to protect endangered species or housed at the zoo, returned to their new which was to gather data on the biology and The delivery of these activities relies heavily conservation measure for insuring the future recorded in recent history. It is not only the habitats. facility at Zoo in July and a new population of the Ecuador amazon parrot charismatic mega fauna that is effected, the on sound science as well as passionate male arrived from Apenheul Primate Park a of this Critically Endangered species. in the dry forest and adjacent mangroves. wildlife trade is having disastrous effects Not only do we need to manage and breed committed people. It is this essential three During the latter part of the year work few weeks later. We also welcomed a male As the year drew to a close, we received an on populations of many and varied taxa species in the zoo, if we are to conserve pronged approach to nature conservation started to re-landscape the on-show parrot Spectacled bear to the zoo in June with a early Christmas present with a female giraffe including corals, song birds and owls, these species in nature for the long term we that we believe places zoos uniquely as the two year old female joining him, and our at the Parrot Breeding Centre into calf born on the 23rd of December, the first particularly in South East Asia, pangolins, also need to play an active role in protecting only organisations with an ability to do all existing resident female in October. an Ecuadorian habitat resembling the dry calf to be sired at the zoo by our new bull. lorises and many species of lower their habitats. During 2014 our long term three. forests of Cerro Blanco. Another important arrival in the latter half vertebrates. Additionally, climate change, field programmes went from strength to New species for the zoo during the year of the year was a 29 year old male Eastern Top: A new male Spectacled bear arrived at and the introduction of invasive species are strength as you can read on pages 26 to 41 black rhino from Hannover Zoo. Having included Aye-aye, Naked mole-rats, Short- the zoo in June. also responsible for huge biodiversity loss. of this Annual Report. only sired three calves previously, he is eared elephant shrews and Luzon cloud Top Right: The tiny Philippine mouse deer, a We strongly believe that modern Inspiring our visitors about the natural an important animal within the European rats. We also now house a female Scottish new species for Islands. progressive zoos can play a large role in the world such that they care enough Endangered Species Breeding Programme. wild cat (off-show) with hopes for a male to Bottom: A female Lowland anoa calf, a first fight against the loss of biodiversity given about nature to make changes in their Left: Critically Endangered Baer’s Pochards It is hoped that, by breeding with the zoo’s eventually join her as part of an essential in the zoo’s history. the necessary resources and leadership. daily lives that benefit nature and the hatched at Chester Zoo. existing female rhinos, he will add genetic breeding and reintroduction effort for this Bottom Right: Ecuadorian habitat on-show The areas of zoo activity that contribute environment. Right: Bird market in Java. diversity to the zoo population; a vital ex situ native species. parrot aviary at the Parrot Breeding Centre. 14 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 15

In-Zoo Developments KEY DEVELOPMENTS: ANIMAL AND PLANT COLLECTION DURING 2014 (CONT)

laughingthrush and a Mauritius pink pigeon breeding units. Our team has been carefully master-planning meeting were attended by working on settling everything in, and have our Curator of Birds. This latter Endangered had some breeding successes too! The new species re-joined the collection after an arrivals held in the support facilities include, absence of seven years and the team amongst others Giant asian mantis, Jewel converted an old off-show aviary block into wasp, Malaysian dead leaf mantis, Asian a new Mauritius pink pigeon rearing facility, forest scorpions, and a large variety of stick including a foster dove room and weaning insect species. . In the lead up to Islands the reptile collection Our Bird Assistant Team Manager gave a has also increased. Our quarantine facility presentation on our Critically Endangered currently holds a whole group of Asian forest Grey-breasted parakeets and one of our Bird tortoises, in addition to Malaysian giant turtles Keepers gave a presentation on techniques and Asian pond turtles due to be moved to for controlled parent-rearing of our waterfowl Monsoon Forest within Islands. Other new at the BIAZA annual bird meeting at the Hawk species settling in include the Javan sun skink Conservancy Hampshire. and the Mountain horned dragon, both of has also seen improvements to the Leaf which are hoped to be included in a mixed Following on from their previous field work, cutter ant exhibit; visitors are now able to view species exhibit alongside amphibians and two of our Keepers spent three months different areas of the interior of the colony. fishes. Our Curator of Birds also attended the World working on the Mauritius cuckoo-shrike Working Groups. The conference was Other new species that arrived during 2014 at Glorious Grasses; Rock Garden, Tropical Pheasant Association (WPA) conservation project. This involved finding nests and During this already busy period we have also held over two days and focused on native that are now on display include the White- Realm and the Sunken Garden. meeting at the , rescuing chicks or eggs from nests, the had great success behind the scenes with plant and animal conservation subjects. A banded cleaner shrimp and the Upside-down where a number of issues were discussed the breeding of some highly unique species A team member visited the Gashaka Gumti number of speakers from zoos and other majority of which are normally otherwise jellyfish. including the plight of the Edwards’ pheasant. predated by introduced mammals. The chicks including the Cinnamon frog, Mao-son frog, Biodiversity Project in Nigeria, working with conservation organisations gave a range This species is managed by a number of were hand-reared at the Black River Aviaries, The dozens of new species destined for the and the Tentacled snake. The Aquarium Team taxonomists from Kew Gardens studying of stimulating and thought provoking talks. European zoos, however its status in the wild in Mauritius, where they will be established Islands collection have been slowly arriving have also experienced positive results with the flora of the National Park. They were Workshops were also held and a visit to the able to identify and collect plant material and in Vietnam is bleak and its extinction may during 2015. The intention in the future will and all are settling in well. The project their new groups of species such as Betta Nature Reserve took place. be imminent. We are supporting the WPA in has been a long time in the planning, key pallifina, Liquorice gourami and Giant pipefish. train local plant rangers to take herbarium be to re-introduce this species to a newly The Horticulture and Botany Team designed genetic studies into the purity of the captive aspects of this have included husbandry and specimens. It is hoped that this is the start protected nature reserve known as Ferney In the Butterfly House we have increased and built a Show Garden at the RHS Tatton population. functionality of exhibits, support facilities, of long term collaboration with Kew in this Valley. the diversity of the visitor experience by Flower Show. The garden was called ‘The managing sustainable colonies within the zoo, region. Notable arrivals during the year were a female introducing staff presentations which provide threatened islands of South East Asia’ and Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates compatibility of species for mixed exhibits, Great argus pheasant, two female Cabot’s opportunities for interaction with a variety of 72 Black poplar trees, grown at the zoo, were was designed to showcase the Islands project. visibility of animals, veterinary considerations, tragopan and four Collared partridge. We Creating a balance between maintaining invertebrate species such as; Giant African taken by partners to plant at various locations The garden was centred on a ruined Buddhist feasibility of similar species rotation between also successfully parent reared two Black the zoo, providing fresh experiences for our millipedes, African praying mantis, and throughout Cheshire and North Wales. These temple and also featured a traditional fishing exhibits, educational value of exhibits, crowned cranes. A new species to the visitors, developing strong links with in situ Hercules beetles. included 30 trees to a site near Macclesfield boat on a stream. The planting was lush and research/conservation roles, and collaboration collection is a pair of Luzon lowland scops- conservation projects, and preparing for the where it is hoped a field gene bank of this contained orchids, Nepenthes, ferns and a with other institutions involved in breeding Our staff have been busy in terms of training owl which arrived from Wroclaw Zoo in opening of Islands has resulted in a very busy locally threatened tree. wide range of large leaved and unusual exotic programmes. and providing support for other programmes, Poland and Plzen Zoo in the Czech Republic. year in the lower vertebrate and invertebrate looking plants. The garden was awarded a running a series of internal workshops, on The next phases of the planting of Common These birds will be housed in one of the departments. Silver Medal and was seen by an estimated As the invertebrate collection has grown topics such as culture of live food, enrichment barberry, for the Barberry carpet moth aviaries in the Tropical Realm. 80,000 visitors to the show. Additionally Monty We continued to expand the Tropical Realm so much in preparation for Islands we have in aquariums, water quality, and in the project, took place on the Shropshire Union Don did a short piece on the garden which Our Curator of Birds spent the first part through the addition of two new amphibian modified two new rooms to act as support herpetological department a workshop about Canal. appeared on the BBC. of August in Singapore and Java working displays this year. These new exhibits house individual marking techniques and theming Site visits were undertaken to monitor the on the long term strategy for a number of large groups of Marañon poison frogs, from work. Planting started on the Islands project with the populations and condition of four rare native highly endangered Indonesian passerines. the high altitude mountains of Peru, and planting of the Visayan warty pig, Babirusa, With the combination of all of these plants that the zoo is working with including Following a series of bird thefts at Cikananga Golden mantella frogs from Madagascar. Anoa and Macaque enclosures. We were very components we have been able to make a the Isle of Man cabbage, Southern horsetail, Conservation Centre, Java, in June we The latter species being a key focus of proud to win the North West in Bloom trophy substantial progression this year with our Limestone woundwort and Common juniper. are now working with colleagues there to our amphibian conservation programme. and be awarded a Gold Medal. husbandry standards and in our ambitious In all cases there was evidence that the disperse some of the birds to other good The team also had great success with the preparations for Islands. reintroduced plants were doing well and breeding facilities in the region and establish breeding of native Sand lizards - a total of 31 some natural regeneration was occurring. Far Left: A Cabot’s tragopan, a new species to insurance and conservation-breeding were released at Talacre sand dunes in North Horticulture and Botany populations in EAZA institutions including at Wales as the second part of an annual release Working closely with the Herpetology Team a the zoo in 2014. Horticulture and Botany staff were involved Chester Zoo. onto the site. new Leaf cutter ant exhibit was constructed Far Right: New off-show Bug Breeding Centre. in a number of events associated with the by the theming team in the Spirit of the Far Right Bottom: Our Curator of Lower Several bird conservation meetings during The aquarium within the Spirit of the Jaguar zoo’s Bloom campaign. Meet the expert Jaguar exhibit. In the past this was always a Vertebrates and Invertebrates with a Golden 2014 including the 4th Threatened Songbirds exhibit saw the arrival of waves of new sessions were arranged for visitors every very popular exhibit and it was exciting to get mantella frog. of Asia working group (TWASG) meeting species, the tank now holds more than 3,500 fortnight from February to June. Talks this species back on show. Top: The Silver Medal was awarded to the at , the second global fish of 21 species. The tank is also home to included three separate nursery tours, looking ‘threatened islands of South East Asia’ garden management species planning meeting for a large group of turtles, and the occasional at the specialist plant collections and native The zoo hosted the joint annual conference of created by our Horticulture Team at the RHS the Critically Endangered Blue-crowned visiting sloth! The Spirit of the Jaguar exhibit plant conservation projects, as well as talks the BIAZA Plant Working and Native Species Tatton Flower Show. 16 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 17

Supporting the Animal and Plant Collection Science Investigations ENSURING EXCELLENT STANDARDS OF ANIMAL EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF APPLIED HEALTH, WELFARE AND HUSBANDRY CONSERVATION, EDUCATION AND WELFARE

School and delivered conservation medicine Endocrine Service Knowledge and understanding courses and ape health workshops abroad Monitoring of reproductive and underpins the zoo’s mission, in both in association with organisations such adrenalhormones enables us to adapt our our field and on site activities. Scientific as OVAG (Orangutan Veterinary Advisory husbandry practices to support animals method provides the evidence base Group). better through pregnancy, birthing and for decision making, evaluation and the post-partum period. The endocrine refinement. The veterinary department also continues to service routinely completes reproductive support Chester Zoo’s conservation projects In 2014 over 200 research projects were hormone monitoring of four key species in Malaysia, Indonesia, Montserrat and the conducted on site in partnership with over within the collection, Asian elephant, Black UK and represented the zoo in multiple fora 80 organisations. Of these, over half were rhino, Okapi and Onager. We also offer including BIAZA, British Veterinary Zoological projects we had commissioned to help an endocrine service to other collections Society and the European Association of us with evidence based decision making. and institutions across Europe. In 2014 we Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians and the United A small sample of these are highlighted worked with over 30 institutions, analysing below: Nations World Parks congress. samples from 60 different species. Animal Welfare and Wellbeing Animal Moves and Records Animal Feeding Programme Accurate record keeping and inter- As well as purchasing proprietary feed stuffs, Providing the right thermal environment zoo animal transfers are critical animal animal food is also produced and harvested for large captive reptiles such as Komodo The Animal and Conservation Medicine management tools and vital to our by our Animal Supplies Department (ASD). dragons can be a real challenge. With the staff work closely together and with contribution to international breeding During 2014, ASD sourced, stored and help of thermal imaging equipment we skills in the areas of psychology, sociology projects. external partners to ensure excellent programmes. 2014 saw a 50% increase distributed the 400 stock lines and 2000 compared the body temperatures and and behaviour change. standards of animal health, welfare in animal moves as we gear up for the tonnes of animal food, bedding, browse responses of our dragons to heat panels Our success in science also hinges on and husbandry. Their activities are opening of the Islands zone in 2015. The (cut leafy branches) and fresh grass. This and the more commonly used heat lamps. Population Management our ability to communicate findings and Heat panels proved more effective due audited by the Animal Health, Welfare team moved 6,747 individuals in 197 includes 800 vehicle loads of browse, 450 Hormone monitoring is an important tool to support and influence stakeholders to the relative spread of heat coverage and Husbandry Sub-Committee of the separate transactions (42% of these being tonnes of forage and bedding, 300 tonnes of in successful population monitoring. The both nationally and internationally. During produced and as a consequence we Conservation and Education Committee international moves) including over 5000 fruit and vegetables, 250 tonnes of bagged major limiting factor to the endocrinology 2014, zoo staff and academic associates have moved over to this heat source – a committee of the zoo’s Council. fish, reptiles and invertebrates for our new foods, 35 tonnes of meat and fish and service we can provide both to our own contributed to over 80 publications (see 80,000 , rabbits, rats, mice and and will pass on this information to other Some of the key support services are exhibits. As well as the logistics of arranging projects and external organisations Appendix 6 for key publications) and over day old chicks. Additionally its invertebrate institutions. highlighted below: their safe transport and providing well is the time and cost of the assays. 100 conference presentations. We peer- breeding colony produced over three million designed travelling boxes, permits must be Emerging Diseases and Biosecurity During 2014 our Endocrinology Team reviewed 30 papers for scientific journals Veterinary Service crickets. obtained, animal health regulations met and has worked with an industrial partner, and participated in a number of animal Chester Zoo has an in-house team of As part of a multi-disciplinary PhD on management and conservation committees stringent quarantine of all incoming animals Our Nutritionist works closely with the teams Thermo-Fisher Scientific, to develop liquid vets and nurses to provide clinical care amphibian health and conservation we (see Appendix 3 and 7). undertaken. to ensure that the animals are fed diets chromatography-mass spectrometry to the collection. As well as providing assessed the efficacy of established optimised for their health and wellbeing. methods that will enable us to increase Further details of our activities can be found care for sick animals the department also Developments in record keeping include husbandry practices. We compared Over 425 diet sheets have been produced capacity of the lab up to five-fold and future in our annual Science Review (see www. manages a comprehensive preventative transfer of our medical records to the two marking methods routinely used in and 2014 saw the addition of another 50 proof the service going forwards. chesterzoo.org/conservation-and-research/ health care programme. 2014 was a busy Zoological Information Management captivity and the wild (injection of a visible for species new to the collection. Another resources). year with a variety of challenging cases, System (ZIMS) in November 2014. This is a elastomer under the skin versus injection of Visitor Studies / Behaviour Change significant advance allowing effective transfer 50 are in preparation for species going a microchip transponder). Injection of the both at individual and population level. into the Islands exhibit. Our Nutritionist is We were commissioned to work with of all animal records from one institution transponder led to significant change in the Examples include the echocardiographic also leading an international team in the WAZA on the design, implementation and to another when an individual moves and frogs’ skin bacteria. We do not yet know examination of our 90 kg Reticulated production of FAUNA, modern, efficient and analysis of a three year project to see what ensuring better continuity of care. the significance of this change and whether python, the first recorded successful intuitive software to boost the effectiveness roles zoos are playing in achieving the UN it might change in animals’ susceptibility treatment of a case of pox virus in a Giant of budget management, record-keeping Aichi biodiversity target: By 2020, at the to infectious disease. This warrants further anteater and, in cooperation with our local and all communication associated with zoo latest, people are aware of the values of study. The PhD also demonstrated that species programmes, the vaccination animal feeding. biodiversity and the steps they can take to of Badgers in neighbouring zoo land, as boosting baseline UV light provision had no conserve and use it sustainably. We have part of a comprehensive programme for Applied Ethology Programme effect on growth or breeding success and analysed data from 30 WAZA institutions so the protection of the zoo and local wildlife In 2014 we monitored animal behaviour this costly addition to husbandry protocols far and have shown that zoos can make a against bovine tuberculosis. A total of 1,816 and enclosure use of six species moving has been stopped. positive contribution. clinical cases where handled and 552 post to our new Islands exhibit. These projects Human-Wildlife Conflict Engagement with Science mortem examinations where carried out in will continue in 2015 both before and after A doctoral study investigating conflict a wide variety of species and sizes, ranging the move to enable us to assess how the Capacity building in science is also a key between livestock farmers and Jaguars from frogs to hoofstock. animals are using their new exhibits. activity. We delivered 50 training workshops across 19 countries in Latin America and provided training placements to The department is committed to training. demonstrated that social, rather than 30 participants covering a range of During 2014 it hosted 16 visiting veterinary Top: ECG being taken of our 90kg environmental factors were the key conservation skills including hormone graduates and undergraduates, provided Reticulated python. determinant of conflict. This finding has analysis methods, field survey techniques a residency programme in Conservation Bottom: Vaccination of Badgers on major implications for managing human and zoological medicine. At the 2014 BIAZA Medicine, maintained ongoing teaching neighboring zoo land against bovine wildlife conflict across our programmes and Research Symposium two of our placement Above: Thermal images of Komodo dragons collaboration with Liverpool Veterinary tuberculosis. as a consequence we will be building our students won prizes for their research under different heat sources ©Ryan Boyle. 18 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 19

Discovery and Learning Commercial Developments DEVELOPING EXCELLENCE DEVELOPING AND OPERATING THE ZOO ATTRACTION

Award for Excellence Reaching out to the Community The zoo was awarded the Sandford Award, Thanks to our sponsors the Safari Ranger an independent assessment of education continued to provide free outreach visits to programme quality, for the third time since local schools and community groups, visiting being the first zoo to achieve the award back 88 schools and delivering workshops to 2014 was a busy year from a in 2004. The judges said “The education 8,834 pupils over the year. Commercial Operations perspective, provision at Chester Zoo is spectacular … with so much going on. The year began We also ran a summer school involving a committed staff provide both formal and with Bloom, which provided visitors with University Academy Liverpool and University informal learning opportunities [and] are to be whole host of things to do to celebrate Academy Warrington, bringing 85 pupils for congratulated on the standards of education and get in touch with our native species. whom the schools get pupil premium. During that they provide”. This also coincided with the opening activities both at the zoo and in school the of our new Nature Reserve which Schools and Colleges children explored the topic ‘What do Zoos has already proved popular by nature The team continued to develop the taught do?’ enthusiasts of all ages. programme which reached 23,700 pupils Engaging with our Visitors At Easter the commercial team opened during the year. Longer sessions and more Alongside animal talks and activities in animal their newly refurbished Fountain shop teaching out in the zoo aim to deepen houses, our Zoo Ranger Team (previously which now has a picnic and sandwich offer, engagement and increase contact time with known as presenters) also increased their along with an ice cream parlour, whilst still educational visitors, whilst also adapting to visibility around site and opportunities to offering a good selection of retail products audience needs and making the best use talk to visitors about conservation issues for guests to purchase during their visit. A of the living collection in our teaching. New following acquisition of a large trike filled history display of archive imagery was also number of picnic packages were also made sessions, such as Evolution at key stage 2, installed on the Oakfield Lawn and inside with a variety of fascinating artefacts. Further available online to pre-order whilst booking introduced in response to changes in the Oakfield Manor increasing flexibility the ‘rapid response’ tickets, taking away some of the effort when primary science curriculum, have proved approach has seen them at enclosures planning a day out. popular and been well received. Throughout 2014 we rolled out the new talking to visitors about changes in the style species identification signs, ensuring During the summer the zoo was host to The year also saw increased numbers of animal collection as they happen. all of the animal collection is labelled in a Animazing Summer of Fun! To celebrate younger key stage 1 pupils receiving taught consistent style in keeping with the zoo Throughout the year Zoo Rangers supported that Chester Zoo had been a charity for 80 sessions, primarily due to the introduction brand. Several exhibits were enhanced with a wide range of initiatives. During Spring, years a whole summer of fun activities were of Wild Winter, a native species workshop new interpretation including the Wetland Bird they led bird watching, wildlife recording and arranged which were free as part of the taught during November and December. Nursery, Realm of the Red Ape, Leaf Cutter bird feeder making activities as part of the normal admission price and included added In September Chester Zoo welcomed part in the evening spectacle with demand Whilst exploring an immersive woodland Ants and Tropical Realm. The team has also Bloom campaign and raised our science talks, fun kids club and a range of other over 5,000 brownies who attended a Wild out stripping availability once again. The specially created in the Education Centre, been busy shaping the storyline for our new profile by participating in the Cheshire great activities to add something extra to an Encounters event in celebration of their event proved so popular it won the Tourism children learnt how animals survive winter, Islands exhibition, including designing the wide Amazed by Science Festival. Over already great day out. 100th Birthday. The weekend was split into Experience or Event of the Year at the 10th made bird feeders to take home and enjoyed interpretation and sourcing the artefacts that two parts with the Safari Slumber giving the Marketing Cheshire Annual Awards. A great the Summer, Animazing activities engaged The autumn was fantastic with the launch storytelling with Santa. In December the Wild will help bring this new zone to life. brownies the chance to sleep over at the achievement and a fitting end to the year families with our animal collections and of Our Zoo on BBC One. Tours of Oakfield Winter exhibition was opened up for families zoo at their ‘base camp’ and also take part that saw record visitor numbers and record conservation messages, through games, House gave visitors the opportunity to to explore too. in an evening lantern walk. In the day the commercial performance. storytelling and fun participatory activities. see behind the scenes and get a real Top Left: Discovery and Learning staff brownies were able to explore the zoo with We are further increasing our teaching Families could book Bug Club workshops appreciation of what it would have been like receive the Sandford Award from Lucy added activities to take part in to help them capacity in the heart of the zoo by including pond dipping, build a bug home to be at the zoo when it all began. The Our Worsley. © Chris Vaughan achieve their Wild Encounters badges. refurbishing the Joseph Banks room. This and moth identification. In the Autumn, the Top Right: Animazing activities led by the Zoo book also proved popular with June space had been used for our climate change team delivered paid for tours of Oakfield Zoo Ranger team. Williams spending a number of afternoons Lantern Magic returned for its third year and Top: Accepting the award for Lantern Magic exhibition, Hot Pink Flamingos, that came to Manor responding to visitor interest in Our Bottom Right: Wild Winter bird feeder signing copies for our guests at the main has gone from strength to strength. This – Marketing Cheshire Awards. an end in October 2014. Zoo and the zoo’s 80th anniversary. A new making. entrance shop. year saw just fewer than 28,000 guests take Bottom: Brownie Big Birthday Celebrations. 20 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 21

Marketing and Public Relations Membership and Adoptions CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE AN ALL-TIME HIGH!

OO(M) of B(l)(A) cel(e)b(r)(a)t(i)(o)n g(a)rd(e)ns, b(i)rd(s) (a)(n)d UK (w)ildli(f)e.

Registered Charity Number 306077 During the spring we celebrated our this, the number of visitors booking online Elsewhere stories of glowing frogs, the gardens, birds and UK wildlife withorg increased by 14.2% on 2013 with overall conservation expedition to Ecuador, the Bloom – a campaign Visitaimed chesterzoo. at both online revenue increasing by 10.9%. arrival of a Grevy’s zebra, Spectacled bear Bernardo, giraffe calf Zahra and the release adults and families, which included a In March a brand new iPhone and Android of the Islands animated fly-through were just wildlife watch programme. Our visitors app was released. The app has been some of the many zoo stories that reached responded well with higher than exceptionally well received, downloaded international and national audiences. expected visitor figures and hundreds over 90,000 times and winning six industry of people participating in special awards. The zoo’s social media channels also events and wildlife recording. continued to grow. The PR team devised We devoted time to exploring the work of a social media campaign for Twitter linking Our summer campaign focused on our our field conservation teams and promoting the zoo’s history to the Our Zoo series. ‘Animazing’ animals with a high profile TV the excellent work that our experts do both Twitter said the results of the campaign, advertising campaign with a voiceover in the UK and overseas. The stories that which included live-tweeting before, during provided by Bill Oddie. we found are available to read on www. and after each episode together with the actforwildlife.org.uk. In the autumn, we launched a series of use of promoted tweets, were “staggering” tours and an exhibition to tell visitors more We continue to work hard to bring and “not easily accomplished.” about the story of Chester Zoo. We also international and domestic tourists to The PR value for 2014 was £39,264,902.70 asked our visitors to submit their personal Chester and have attended a number of (advertising equivalent). stories and memories of the zoo for a travel trade events to raise awareness of special ‘memories’ section of our website. Chester as a tourist destination. Sales and Events We were overwhelmed by the response Much of our time was devoted to planning During 2014 the zoo’s Sales and Events with over 500 stories, photos and videos for the opening of Islands in 2015. We function moved from the commercial shared to our memories timeline. worked with a creative agency to develop operations division to the marketing division The total number of members increased Junior Members some animal handling, and summer visits We also enjoyed a wonderful Christmas the ‘brand identity’ for Islands and filmed and had a very successful year. by 7,827 in 2014 achieving an all-time Our Junior Members Club events were very to Anglesey Sea Zoo and the Greenwood season with a ‘sell out’ Lantern Magic the TV advertisement here at the zoo during 48 weddings and 56 corporate events took high of 57,835 at the end of the year. well supported again in 2014. For those Forest Park to let off some steam and learn event. Around 82% of the 27,939 people the summer. We also developed an Islands about recycling. In the Autumn we walked place at Oakfield House during 2014, whilst A new family pricing structure was aged eight and upwards we continued to visiting Lantern Magic had visited for the website (www.chesterzoo.org/islands). It to Hilbre Island for some bird watching and 98 children enjoyed their birthday parties in introduced in September providing better offer a monthly field trip or event throughout first time and 89% of visitors said that they features an interactive map of Islands, also visited the Home Farm and deer rut at the new Jungle Party Den. value for larger families, and the new joining the year, usually running five zoo-based would visit again. teaser trailers, competitions and the latest Tatton Park. In addition we had a wonderful by direct debit scheme enabled 1,459 new events, and seven visits to other places of Islands news. The site is fully optimised for The quantity of gift and experience sales one week Summer School for 32 teenagers The visitor research programme that we members to take advantage of the option to interest. Events within the zoo included mobile devices and will be used to build rose by 632 providing a 56% increase in in August and this event continues to go launched in 2012 continued, giving us spread the cost of their joining fees over four the ever popular Tracks and Signs day with anticipation and capture user data as we year on year income. Group sales income from strength to strength engaging and invaluable information about what our consecutive months. over 100 Juniors participating, the extremely approach the opening of Islands. also rose year on year by 18%. The supporting the conservationists of the future visitors want from the zoo and how visitors popular Day with a Keeper for over twelves, successful Our Zoo series helped secure Rebranded adoption signage and the and maintaining links with past Juniors. respond to our marketing activity. our Discovery Session to learn about new PR 677 sales of Oakfield Tour packages popular BBC Drama Our Zoo series helped generating income of £15,098. exhibits and enclosure design, and the We’re always working towards improving The BBC drama Our Zoo, which told the to boost adoption numbers to 6008, summer barbeque and christmas party, both our online content and user experience story of founder George Mottershead’s achieving a year on year increase of 515 of which were enormous fun. and the website continues to perform well. battle to open the zoo, hit the screens in Left: Bloom campaign to celebrate our native adoptions. In the month of December The BBC drama had a significant positive September to critical acclaim. The show was wildlife. a record number 1,507 adoptions were Our trips away took us to Manchester Above Junior Members tour of our veterinary impact on visits to the website, with an heavily publicised across all national media in Right: Lee Ingleby as George Mottershead in processed in three weeks. Museum of Science and Industry, Hoo Farm facilities as part of the Junior Member Summer increase of nearly 45% on 2013. Alongside the run up to the six-programme series airing. Our Zoo BBC drama. near Telford for a special guided tour and School. 22 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 23

Act for Wildlife Trusts, Grants and Sponsorship Received INCREASING AWARENESS AND FUNDS THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR FIELD CONSERVATION

We begin with a huge thank you to Tiger Trailers and Sykes Cottages. Long Once again a huge THANK YOU to It’s been quite a year for Act for Wildlife. In the autumn we asked you to Go Orange supported projects. This year we took you all our supporters for their help, term support from Airbus and Urenco everyone who has supported us during In June we celebrated our third birthday for Orangutans and you did in your with us on an expedition to South America donations and gifts during 2014. has continued for both conservation and 2014 including the following major donors: with a refresh and re-launch of the hundreds, raising a massive £20,000 to help to look for the Endangered Ecuador amazon Without you we simply would not be education projects, and knowing we have website and ended the year on a high replant an area of forest for orangutans. This parrot. In spring our Bloom campaign • Aaron & Partners LLP Solicitors able to continue much of the amazing their support long-term allows us to plan having raised the most for conservation simple idea took off with schools, businesses covered a variety of native species topics • Airbus work we do. even greater things for the future. Sadly with Act for Wildlife ever! and individuals all wearing orange for a day and even got supporters getting hands • Carole L Brown and paying £1 to do so. Thank you also to on with nature. Nigeria was under the we see the end to the partnership with The campaign to get supporters up and With the completion of Islands moving • Halliwell Jones Chester the companies who joined our Go Orange spotlight over the summer as we took ever closer we continued to work with The the Cheshire Building Society’s Big Cat active continued with our call to ‘Love a • Harold Reid (legacy) Golf Day in Chester, playing ‘a round’ for on the co-ordination of the project under Junior Saver account, which has raised over Challenge’ and you ran, cycled and swam Wolfson Foundation, funder of the building orangutans! Many of you did so much and its new title Gashaka Biodiversity Project £200,000 for conservation. • Heritage Lottery Fund to raise funds for conservation. Special and fit-out of the Sumba School and we we’d like to say a huge thanks to all those (GBP). This project has previously focused • Hilda Sharpley (legacy) mentions have to go to Dave Edwards for can’t wait to see the room in action. Income from legacies can be the life blood who took part. on primates but will now expand to look at • Hillyer McKeown LLP Solicitors taking part in no less than four events this of many old established charities, and all the species covered by this habitat. Of Grant giving trusts and foundations have year and to cyclists Christopher Kehoe and As the Act for Wildlife campaign grows and indeed it was a legacy that helped the • Knights Solicitors LLP course Go Orange for Orangutans helped us continued to support a range of projects Ian Meaden for their magnificent 100 mile develops, we have brought news from a zoo out of hard times back in the 1940s. • Maureen S Tudor (legacy) understand more about the complex issues this year including the off show Scottish cycle in the Prudential Ride London event. variety of our conservation partners and Wildcat exhibit, the ever popular Safari Work continues hard behind the scenes to • Mrs D M France-Hayhurst Charitable Trust around deforestation and why we should Ranger schools outreach project and a promote the great benefits of leaving a gift • Mrs T A Briggs Deceased Will Trust buy products with sustainable palm oil. We PhD project studying Orchids, using our to the zoo in your Will and we would like to • Philip Barker Charity finished the year by celebrating the 10th national collection. Our thanks go to The thank those who have done so. During the • Ron Williams (legacy) anniversary of our Assam Haathi project, working to understand and mitigate the Oglesby Charitable Trust, the Philip Baker year the zoo has received bequests from • Ruth Smart Foundation the estates of Hilda Sharpley, Ron Williams, issues causing conflict between villagers and Charity, and The Topinambour Trust for their • Sykes Cottages Ltd Montague Lincoln, Septimus Burgess, elephants in Assam. continued support. • The Cheshire Building Society Maureen Tudor and Harold Reid. In 2014 we recruited the final four trainees • The Dwek Family Charitable Trust Over the last three years our campaign to Act for Wildlife has become part of our way for the Heritage Lottery funded (HLF) A really big thank you goes out to our band • The Eric and Dorothy Leach Charitable of working, thinking and being and we hope Biodiversity Trainees project, which has of willing volunteers who roll their sleeves up Trust you’ll join us in acting for wildlife in 2015. received tremendous support over its four and get dirty helping with a number of jobs, • The Firs School year lifetime. Having the ability to invest including counting and bagging the money • The Oglesby Charitable Trust so much in these young people has really that gets dredged from the ponds across • The Peter Foden Family Charitable Trust paid off with the majority now in paid the zoo. During the course of the year they • URENCO UK Ltd employment in the conservation or heritage sorted £2,000 – mostly in pennies! sector. Without HLF’s support this project • YO! Sushi So finally without your support the zoo just would not have happened. could not continue the wonderful work it Corporate partnerships have grown with does both on site and around the world. Left: Chester Zoo Nature Reserve in action. a range of new supporters including Thank you, you are amazing! Right: Our Biodiversity Trainees. Top Left: Go Orange fundraiser Bradley Driver, aged 4. Top Right: Ferndale Primary School going orange. Bottom: Supporters get on their bikes for wildlife. 24 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 25

STAFFING, ORGANISATION, STRUCTURE AND TRAINING HEALTH AND SAFETY

Department Project Work During 2014 the two regular First Aid 2014 saw the launch of ‘OSHENS’ a new Officers had support from two Seasonal online accident and incident reporting Officers who provided additional assistance system. ‘OSHENS’ has proved to be during the busy summer months. The an easy-to-use system and effective regular First Aid Officers have developed management tool which also includes their skills and knowledge by being ‘Cascade’ a major incident alert notification proactive in occupational health awareness system. Work has continued in promoting campaigns as well as undertaking Display wellbeing and Occupational Health with Screen Assessments across the zoo. We a number of campaigns run throughout also took delivery of two bicycles, kindly the year including Smoking Cessation, donated by Halfords, allowing the team to Breast Cancer Awareness and Skin Safe respond to incidents quicker around the – Sun Aware. Flu jabs were also offered zoo. to employees free of charge during the winter. An awareness campaign was Accident Statistics launched - ‘ARK’ (Attitude, Responsibility Due to the continued drive in raising the and Knowledge) - promoting the message Our focus during the year was to Training and Development Internship Programme awareness of reporting accidents and and that all employees can play a part in Health and Safety with a positive mind-set. ensure a robust people plan for Islands In June we launched a “Good to Great” Chester Zoo`s Internship programme is incidents the total number of accidents as well as providing “service as reported for the year has increased by 2014 saw the zoo maintain its five stars programme offering something for everyone. extremely highly regarded and as a result rating from the local Environmental Health normal”. competition for places on this scheme 674 to 727 (214 Employee accidents and National Vocational Qualifications – we were logged on the new on-line reporting Officers in relation to the catering audit that was fierce again this year. We provide 513 third Party accidents). Reported ‘zoo Resourcing partnered with Babcock International, a gold system and this is seen as a major success was undertaken. opportunities for up to 32 graduate or related’ accidents increased from 46 to award NVQ and Apprenticeship provider. during the year. From a permanent headcount of 330 we sandwich placement students on our full- 79 (52 Employee and 27 Third Party). The Planning and development continued for open days saw 50 staff from all over the zoo reached a seasonal peak of 626 employees time one-year internships. These start each rolling averages for third party accidents Training the Islands project and close work with sign up to start their chosen qualification during 2014. We have streamlined September and offer both practical skills increased slightly from 1.6 to 1.7 per Turner Townsend, Laing O’Rourke, Read areas such as Team Leading, Customer General Health and Safety training recruitment processes for seasonal staff delivered in the zoo and theoretical training 100,000 visitors and for employees from Construction, as well as other contractors Service, Business Admin, Leadership and sessions continued throughout the ensuring a quicker return process. We’ve through a series of monthly workshops 0.4 to 0.9 per 100 employees. The current has been maintained. Our close links with Management. year with topics including Fire, Risk also worked with the Commercial Team covering all aspects of zoo management. public liability claims experience has the local Environmental Health Officers Assessments, Manual Handling, COSHH, Managers to produce an end of contract Effective Leadership Programme been very low again, with only two claims from Cheshire West and Chester Council, Three-month Internships are offered to Noise and Vibration etc. The bespoke review process that allows for a more (ELP) – commencing in October we held received for 2014, however one further Cheshire Fire and Rescue and Cheshire those aged 18 upwards. We provide 45 on-line H&S induction course was also objective performance assessment. 17 workshops on Leading My Team; 167 historical claim was also received. There Police has also continued during the year. of these annually which have a rolling start were three RIDDOR reportable accidents utilised resulting in excellent feedback Employee Relations people attended and subjects covered date throughout the year and offer purely during the year and seven employee from participants. The zoo also became Top: One of our First Aiders with a first aid included Values, Personal Effectiveness, practical training. Our Staff Association has worked hard Time Management and Situational accidents that resulted in any lost-time. It an approved IOSH Training Centre with the response bicycle donated to the zoo by to build a more responsive relationship. Leadership and we also held 18 workshops These are both genuine training placements was noted that over 260 near-miss reports first course to be held in early 2015. Halfords. Together we have re-structured Staff on Communicating With My Team; 148 for those who have a desire to follow a Association and Management meetings, people attended and subjects covered career and make a difference in animal there are regular site based walkabouts, included Effective Communication, welfare and conservation. Interns are all Staff Association members attended Assertiveness and Delivering an Effective allocated to the animal, horticulture, the Effective Leadership Programme Team Brief. science and curatorial teams. The majority new way of working in 2014 has meant website and online sales. After looking (ELP) workshops and we have worked of those still wanting to pursue a career in business value being delivered every at the projected web hits, and with the collaboratively on a number of projects with Performance and Development Review conservation post-placement, especially two weeks using AGILE – which is a aid of some offsite testing, we decided great success. Pay negotiations for 2015 (PDR) - a new PDR was well received with from our one-year internship, obtain project management framework for to outsource our website to an external were successfully concluded and the staff some constructive feedback highlighting zoo-based positions following completion software development. datacentre. With only a few weeks until pay structure underlines our commitment how much easier the review was to and 2014 was no exception with 98% launch we knew it would be close! Once to maintaining a fair and transparent pay complete, with principal accountabilities and successfully obtaining paid employment in IT Support continue to offer an excellent a values section offering clear evidence of completed, we knew it was the right scheme. this field. They are a wonderful group to host uptime on critical services. In 2014 an decision, and on the opening night of the achievement. We had a 94% return rate. within the zoo and are much valued during Well Being uptime of 99.7% was achieved within programme we received 31,869 visitors. Values Training their time working with us. IT business hours, excluding planned In 2014 we worked hard to provide a maintenance. We now operate a morning Looking ahead, work for the IT team has A simplified approach to values was more proactive occupational health offer. 2014 continued to be an exciting year check routine which ensures EPOS and already started on Islands. We have shifted launched called ACE! our focus onto scaling our infrastructure There is now a more even split between of growth and development within other business critical applications are IT. At the start of 2014 we expanded and services across to the new site. Once those off sick and those still in work who A1 People – who are proud, passionate, ready for use, before staff need to use professional and part of a team our IT Development Team to include complete, this will give us the platform access this service. With a calender of them. well-being events lined up, including on site another permanent Web Developer, to deliver vital services such as EPOS, Conservation – at the heart of everything we do physiotherapists, we are aiming towards the role’s primary focus is to continue The BBC drama Our Zoo brought its telephones, computer access, CCTV and even less occupation health intervention in Excellence - in Wildlife Welfare, Guest Left: The zoo interns. the ongoing development and support own set of unique challenges this year, a varied and enriched soundscape and the future. Experience and Internal Customer Service Right: “Good to Great” programme logo. of our online shop. This, along with a with exceptionally high demand on our interpretation package. 26 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 27 CONSERVATION People and Wildlife...... 34 Realm of the Red Ape...... 27 Frogs to the Fore...... 35 Realm of the Red Ape The Assam Haathi Project...... 28 Conserving British Wildlife...... 36 Protecting China’s Forests...... 29 Chester Zoo Conservation Grants...... 37 Philippines Conservation...... 30 Global Partnerships for Progress...... 38 Saving Species in the Mascarenes...... 31 Islands Under Threat...... 39 CONSERVING THE WILDLIFE OF Black Rhino Conservation...... 32 Keeper for a Day Scheme...... 40 Saving Chimpanzees in Nigeria...... 33 Zoo Expedition 2014...... 41 BORNEO AND SUMATRA

Over the past few decades, habitat loss on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra has become the primary threat to native flora and fauna. Conversion of forests for agricultural use is putting numerous species at risk and conservation efforts are vitally important to protect the islands. Palm oil has become the conservation issue of focus in this region. Zoo staff have been increasingly involved looked at how orangutans survive and are in the issue of unsustainable palm oil impacted in areas that interface between production over the last few years, and we forests and palm oil plantations, the findings are working closely with BIAZA and other have been presented to many stakeholders zoos on procurement and public awareness and are currently being developed into campaigns to increase the demand for practical recommendations for the industry sustainable palm oil. by HUTAN and partners. In the field, following a preliminary study last year on Sumatra, Indonesia, we furthered our We also work alongside HUTAN to support hornbill conservation and education collaboration with Dr Serge Wich of Liverpool orangutan conservation also continued activities and this year we continued John Moores University to increase our with participation in the 2014 Orangutan our financial support for the Hornbill support for Critically Endangered Sumatran Veterinary Advisory Group (OVAG) Conservation Project, and received orangutans. We funded research which conference in Indonesia. Staff were photos showing two Oriental pied hornbills investigated the importance of reforested involved in veterinary training and presented using one of the artificial nests our staff sites for orangutans. Data from the study on the threats of oil palm from a European helped to construct in 2013. The HUTAN will complement that data gathered from a perspective. Environmental Awareness Programme nearby forested site where the Sumatran This year, we have once again worked (HEAP) also continues to deliver the Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) closely with our partners HUTAN-KOCP educational programme developed together work and will help inform strategies for future in Malaysian Borneo to raise awareness with the zoo’s Discovery and Learning reforestation projects. and funds through our Go Orange for Team and this year we funded the salaries Collaborations with SOCP continued with Orangutans campaign, supporting their of the delivery team and advised on the support for education activities engaging reforestation activities. Working in the production of new educational resources. the communities close to Batang Toru floodplain of the Kinabatangan River, home forest in northern Sumatra. The educator to the largest population of Endangered for SOCP Educator, Lina Naibaho, works Bornean orangutans, we provided essential with high schools, church organisations core funding for their operations, including Left: Abham Abulani from HEAP, at the tree and government departments to raise a warden’s salary to protect the sanctuary. nursery where local women grow seedlings awareness of orangutans and the The orangutan team followed 22 to re-plant the forest for orangutans. importance of forests. We support salaries orangutans at the study site this year and Middle: Wild Bornean orangutan. and the staging of community events. completed 157 days of nest-to-nest direct Right: Asian pied hornbill at artificial nest Our veterinary support for international observation. Zoo supported research also site © HUTAN-KOCP. 28 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 29

The Assam Haathi Project Protecting China’s Forests REDUCING HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT FOCUS ON SICHUAN BIODIVERSITY

The broadleaf forests of Sichuan are children in Chengdu; 45 sessions were areas of exceptional biodiversity, conducted (since October 2013) including providing refuge for species such as 2,430 students in 66 classes, using the Red and Giant pandas and endemic Red panda as a flagship species to engage birds such as the Sichuan partridge. pupils on wider conservation issues. The Himalayan foothills of Assam in 1,600 chilli saplings are being raised in Environment awareness generation is They are also an internationally A programme of public engagement on North East India provide one of the most our nurseries. At the end of 2014, the carried out through public education events important area for migrating birds. the issue of wildlife trade has also been important remaining areas of habitat eight solar-powered electric fences built in such as workshops, demonstrations and The Sichuan Forest Biodiversity Project is developed. Chengdu Zoo and CRBGPB for the Endangered Asian elephant. the project villages across three districts educator training. 33 awareness events a collaboration working with the Sichuan both have public displays highlighting the However, the state of Assam is also were also working well and contributed to were conducted for local students and Forest Department in four forest reserves plight of various species impacted by wildlife home to around 30 million people, and deterring elephants 121 times. For example, public, with emphasis on conflict mitigation, to enhance the protected area network trade. Resources have also been developed in areas where elephant and human the Rupajuli fence in Sonitpur protects conservation of elephants and fostering and engage local people in sustainable to enable zoos to effectively deliver habitats overlap, devastating losses property and crops of 250 households, a positive attitude towards elephants. 44 management and development. This year education sessions on wildlife trade and, in of lives and livelihoods occur. Since enabling villagers to harvest about 96 tonnes “Living with Elephants in Assam” handbooks Dr Simon Dowell, Project Coordinator, collaboration with CAZG, it is hoped these 2004, we have been working with of paddy, while the six fences in Goalpara and other information materials were and our Head of Field Programmes visited can be rolled out to a number of different Ecosystems-India to address this and Chirang districts protect 1,217 homes distributed to villagers as well as institutions. two reserves, attending and contributing Chinese zoos in 2015. conflict, providing safety for people and and 1,740 acres of crops. All fences are The promotion of community-based re- to the annual reserve managers’ meeting, Support for the conservation of the Critically reducing retaliations against elephants. built by the villagers and project staff jointly, forestation projects also continues alongside and helping to develop future plans. The projects were all observed to be productive Endangered Blue-crowned laughingthrush By the end of 2014 the Assam Haathi with the communities required to take on distribution of fuel-efficient cookstoves meeting included presentation of galliform and well adopted by local communities. In also continued. The zoo co-ordinates Project was operating in all of the six full ownership and responsibility for the to relieve the pressure of woodcutting survey results, a core component of ongoing 2015 there will be a focus on evaluating the funding from European zoos and in 2014 we worst-affected districts of Assam, fences in return for the project’s assistance in reserve forests. With assistance from biodiversity monitoring. effectiveness of this work, linking this with welcomed several new partners. This year working with 78 villages directly, with the capital costs. To this end, villages the Assam Energy Development Agency, the trends in species distribution and density some 300 birds were counted at the known which in turn assisted 58 neighbouring usually form committees for decision-making Monitoring activities were complemented we conducted training workshops for observed through the monitoring work. breeding sites in Wuyuan, China, indicating communities. and implement their own systems for fence this year through the use of camera traps 134 villagers from six villages in building the numbers in the wild remain stable maintenance. which provided exciting new discoveries Another aspect of the China Programme is Reducing crop-raiding and implementing cookstoves that use around 50% less or are slightly increasing. Zoo staff also for the Mamize Nature Reserve. Footage our education support, working alongside other damage protection measures is a core Developing alternative sustainable livelihoods firewood. participated in the second Global Species of a Giant panda in Mamize confirmed the the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda objective of the project, building the capacity is another important project component. Management Plan Meeting for Blue-crowned world’s most southerly distribution of this Breeding (CRBGPB), Chengdu Zoo and among villagers to protect their families and In the past year we focused on veterinary laughingthrush in zoos. iconic species. A Blue fronted robin was also livelihoods. Watchtowers remain popular, training workshops for livestock-raising, Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens captured on camera, the record indicating and in one area helped to spot and deter development of women’s weaving and (CAZG). Our Discovery and Learning Team an extension of its previously known range. elephants 20 times. Watchtowers usually tailoring micro-enterprises, the distribution of have helped develop a number of initiatives Top Left: Project Coordinator and our Head This finding won the Sichuan Province work in tandem with searchlights, which 187 chilli plants for cultivation, establishing to engage people with nature. Three of Field Programmes at Ma’anshan Nature award for the camera trap photograph with are always in great demand. Over 150 a bamboo plantation, as well as early trials summer camps were conducted in 2014, reserve. the most scientific importance. searchlights were used 657 times across with beekeeping, silk moth rearing and linking with the Sichuan Forest Biodiversity Top Middle: Giant panda captured on a more than 40 villages, the bright light acting fisheries. Around 305 households and eight Engaging with local communities is also Project communities and inspiring rural Chester Zoo funded camera trap. to deter elephants from crop fields. Chilli self-help-groups have taken up the support a major project component, developing school children to consider and care for their Top Right: Blue Fronted Robin captured on fences were also constructed in ten villages offered, with regular follow-up mentoring Top Left: Sessa Panbari chulah training. alternative livelihoods to help reduce illegal local environment through games, drama a Chester Zoo funded camera trap. to protect paddy crop and homestead from the project field staff provided when Top Right: Chilli fence demo at Danigaon, activities within the forests. Bee keeping, and nature hikes. Complementing this, the Bottom: Chester Zoo staff involvement with gardens, benefitting 57 households. Around needed. Sonitpur. walnut grafting and wood-saving stove Red Panda Programme engages urban Chengdu education programme. 30 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 31

Philippines Conservation Saving Species in the Mascarenes HELPING ISLANDS IN DANGER WORKING IN THE ‘LAND OF THE DODO’

Conservation in the Mascarene Islands has been a major focus for Chester Zoo for over 20 years. We work alongside the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and other partners to help conserve the rich fauna and flora through significant technical and financial support. A major conservation focus for our work has always been threatened endemic birds. Long- term commitments to a number of projects on Mauritius have seen species recover from the brink of extinction and on-going support includes research and management to further secure these populations and their habitat. The Mauritius olive-white eye is a Critically Endangered passerine with a population of only a few hundred individuals. Several years of intensive management of two populations The Philippines is a globally recognised 90% of cockatoos can be found within of Olive white-eyes has seen a steady biodiversity hotspot with hundreds of Palawan, and at least 48% of the world increase in numbers. The wild mainland endemic species found on its 7,000 plus population is now concentrated in sites population in Black Rivers Gorges National Islands, many of which are threatened managed by Katala. Our partnership has Park now stands at 27 birds, whilst the with extinction from a range of grown stronger over the years and along number of introduced birds on the island of Ile conservation issues such as the habitat with financial support for Katala staff in 2014, aux Aigrette rose to 41. destruction, wildlife trade and poaching. a unique project was developed to conserve populations of the Philippine cockatoo found A great success story in Mauritius is that Working with the Philippines Biodiversity on the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. Our of the Echo parakeet, an endemic parrot Conservation Foundation (PBCF), support will facilitate the ongoing monitoring which has been downlisted from Critically we have supported several projects and research of these populations and Endangered to Endangered as a result conserving endemic species throughout implementation of conservation education of conservation action. Once down to the archipelago. The work of the PBCF campaigns. only a dozen individuals, numbers are was spearheaded by William Oliver, a were released into the protected area. now thought to be as high as 700, with man who pioneered conservation action Threatened by the illegal pet trade and Through rapid biodiversity assessments, 44 162 birds fledging during the 2013/2014 in the Philippines, as well as championing habitat destruction, the Critically Endangered other threatened species have also been season. The species however still needs the conservation of many other species Palawan forest turtle is another key target recorded in the protected area, highlighting conservation management, and on-going globally. It is with great sadness that we species for conservation action. Through that this is also an important habitat for research continues to play a role in informing report the loss of William, founder and the reintroduction of confiscated turtles, many other species. conservation strategy and management Director of PBCF, who passed away at the community engagement and other techniques. Other bird projects supported end of 2014. The PBCF was created as initiatives, we are helping to secure the include conservation of the Mauritius fody the umbrella organisation to support the future of this species. In December 2013, and management of Pink pigeon populations. field conservation NGOs and conservation a protected area for the conservation of the Each year members of our Bird Team breeding centres which William had turtles was established in Roxas Palawan. join staff at MWF, contributing avian created and nurtured. The various project This was a huge step forward, the first conservation skills that have been built components under the PBCF have protected area for freshwater turtles in the up through years of hands-on bird been particularly successful in engaging country. To complement this achievement conservation at the zoo. In November two community support for habitat conservation a Protected Area Management Board has Bird Team members participated on a new We also continue to contribute significantly to activities which are gradually recreating the in the region. William will be greatly missed. been established. Four wardens have been the development of education programmes upland forest community. employed and trained in law enforcement project to conserve the Mauritius cuckoo- Elsewhere in the Philippines, our shrike and the Mauritius paradise flycatcher. designed to increase awareness and to patrol the area on a daily basis; their We also continue to provide financial collaboration with the Palawan based During their two months in the field our appreciation of nature. Our Education presence and monitoring is reducing illegal support for the monitoring and conservation Programmes Manager revisited Mauritius Katala Foundation continued to grow, with activities in the region. staff provided technical assistance, using of the Rodrigues fruit bat. This work focus on the conservation of the Critically their expertise to help harvest eggs and to to review the performance of the ‘Learning is complimented in the zoo with the In order to establish baseline data on the Endangered Philippine cockatoos on hand-rear chicks; a head starting technique with Nature’ programme which she helped coordination of the European Endangered abundance of the Palawan forest turtle, a Palawan and offshore Islands. When the Top Left: Philippine cockatoo in flight © used to provide these young birds with the establish in 2009. She also helped plan Species Programme. project started in 1998, Rasa Island was number of mark-recapture surveys have Peter Widmann. best chance of survival. This is the first time and develop a similar programme to be home to just 23 cockatoos; at the roost site also been carried out, and alongside radio- Top Right: Hand-raising a young cockatoo this work has been conducted with the implemented in Ferney Valley and the Grande in October 2014, a total of 297 individuals tagging activities, this research is helping © Peter Widmann. Mauritius cuckoo shrike and these birds will Montagne Forest Reserve in Rodrigues. Top: Chester Zoo staff hand-rearing were counted, a great testament to the us to better understanding home range Bottom: Philippine forest turtle hatching © be re-released next year to help bolster wild Additionally in Grande Montagne we provided Mauritius cuckoo-shrikes. success of this project. Between 76 and patterns. In 2014, 66 confiscated turtles Sabine Schoppe. populations. support for restoration and reforestation Bottom: Mauritius cuckoo-shrikes. 32 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 33

Black Rhino Conservation Saving Chimpanzees in Nigeria RISING TO THE CHALLENGES IN AFRICA PROTECTING NIGERIA’S FORESTS

Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP) is Nigeria’s largest National Park, it is also the most ecologically diverse, with habitats ranging from savannah to montane forests. Its rich biodiversity includes probably the last viable population of the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. The zoo has supported conservation in The rhino poaching crisis continued Chyulu Hills National Park. This event to assist with Rafiki wa Faru, an education GGNP for over two decades, working to escalate in 2014 in response to engages local Maasai communities in a initiative which provides children and closely with the National Park Service and, the growing demand for rhino horn. series of regional competitions and a final villagers access to the park and delivers a since 2000, providing core support for The need for zoo support for rhino ‘Olympic’ event. Supported by elders in the programme of conservation education. Gashaka Primate Project (GPP). Last year conservation is greater than ever and region, the Olympics provide a new way In the Laikipia District we support various marked a period of transition as we took hope to develop a more comprehensive which will be used to complement educational we continue to work with several for Maasai warriors to prove themselves, members of a strong network of ranches on the coordination for this project and it botanical survey of the park in the future. tours provided to local students and raise partners in East Africa to protect the where historically this would have involved that host the majority of Kenya’s Black became the Gashaka Biodiversity Project The expedition covered remote areas of local awareness of the parks importance. In Black rhino and other threatened the killing of wildlife. The event also collaboration with National Park Education rhino. Our support in 2014 included the (GBP). 2014 saw the consolidation of the the park, and helped identify areas where wildlife. provides a venue to engage communities Officers we are currently developing production of four display panels at the Ol infrastructure and procedures required to signs of poaching activity were present in conservation. The final attracted over educational materials for the centre. Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya, and the Pejeta Conservancy explaining the process run the GBP, and the initiation of several and where conservation activity should be 2000 people and gained international press surrounding ranch land are home to one of of translocating Black rhinos. At Ol Jogi new exciting project components. prioritised. Elsewhere in Nigeria we continued support coverage. Chester Zoo sponsored the event, Rhino Reserve, following emergency staffing for the Nigerian Montane Forest Project Kenya’s last free ranging rhino populations. The GBP was very pleased that all of the An exciting development was a new GBP including a conservation prize. issues, we supported the training of 30 staff (NMFP). The focal site for the project at We partner with Big Life International, a project field assistants remained with us partnership with Everton in the Community to gain full Kenya Police Reservist status Ngel Nyaki boosted its research activities leading force for conservation in this region. We were also pleased to hear this year during this transition, and Dr Umar Buba (EitC), an initiative affiliated with Everton and facilitate the continued protection of the this year with a new 20 hectare permanent Our continued support provides rangers that Richard Bonham, Big Life Director of also continues as the Nigeria-based Project Football Club. EitC supports health and wildlife in this reserve. research plot, one of only five ‘Centre for with basics such as salaries, training, rations Operations and long-time partner of the Manager. Changes this year included a new development activities, predominantly in and fuel. This year we also provided funding zoo, very deservedly received a lifetime Finally, we also continued our partnership Merseyside but also overseas. Together we Tropical Science Research’ plots in Africa, zoo-based Field Programme Coordinator and the only montane forest plot, making for a new waterhole and pipeline which will achievement award, the Prince William with Manchester Metropolitan University developed a fundraising programme and for the GBP, and Chester Zoo Foundation Ngel Nyaki an internationally important help deter rhinos from moving into areas of Award for Conservation in Africa. and Antony Wanderas of the Northern delivered a joint health and conservation Nigeria was registered as a new company in forest. The project also continued on- poaching risk in search of water; two new Rangeland Trust, supporting his PhD awareness programme for the communities In Tanzania, we continued support for Nigeria to facilitate GBP activities. Professor going research and reforestation activities observation posts will provide 24/7 security research into the factors underlying the high within and around GGNP. The programme the Black rhino in Mkomazi National Volker Sommer, who previously coordinated and collaboration with the GBP was also for this new site. Unfortunately, despite the variance in Black rhino reproductive output. used a football tournament to create a huge Park. Managed by the George Adamson the GPP, remains as GBP Scientific Director strengthened with NMFP members joining huge amount of resources and dedication, draw, and attracted thousands of people Preservation Trust this rhino population is and continues to manage the on-going the expedition earlier in the year. one rhino was poached in 2014. However an important part of the national species research activities that have been at the from the local areas as well as many of a calf, Chester, escaped despite receiving core of conservation action in GGNP. the local community leaders. A number recovery plan and has built up a population Top: Top: Our Education Programmes Top Left: Full expedition team photo. a bullet wound to the neck. The calf was 2 of speeches, plays, posters and a large of 19 Black rhino. The 55km rhino Manager at the Maasai Olympics event A major event this year was an expedition Umaru Buba, GBP Project monitored closely and we are pleased to say parade provided awareness for issues Top Right: sanctuary found within the park is fenced in 2014. through the interior of the park up to the Manager, at Goodison Park. has survived and is doing well. such as malaria, illegal bushmeat and the and patrolled by a dedicated security team; Bottom Left: Participants in the Maasai highest peak in Nigeria, Gangiwal. The large Bottom Left: Gashaka Gumti National Park. importance of the forest as a watershed. We were also pleased to continue our no rhino have been poached. Our support Olympics event 2014. expedition included a botanical team from Bottom Right: Women’s football match support for the second Maasai Olympics, helps fund this security infrastructure. Our Bottom Middle and Right: Eastern the zoo and Kew Gardens; who provided At the park entrance we have supported as part of the Everton in the Community which engages communities in and around Discovery and Learning Team also continue Black rhinos. training in botany survey techniques and the construction of a new education centre tournament. 34 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 35

People and Wildlife Frogs to the Fore TACKLING CONFLICT WITH JAGUARS AND TIGERS TACKLING THE GLOBAL AMPHIBIAN EXTINCTION CRISIS

The unique but fragile situation of many Malagasy government. Within this new Jaguar Research Programme perceived losses and the social norms of the University, we have created a new tiger species in Madagascar, due to the fast protected area, we have identified 94 Conflict with livestock farmers is the most community, in other words peer pressure to conservation project in which we will rate of habitat destruction, drives us to breeding ponds of the Golden mantella frog, serious threat to the survival of the Jaguar kill Jaguars. use participatory approaches to help increase our our conservation efforts there. which represent 68% of all known breeding communities take important steps to During 2014 the main activities have been ponds. across its range. In collaboration with Our spatial analyses showed that 65% the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, enable them to live safely in the vicinity of the ongoing support of studies on the of the remaining Jaguar range is outside During 2014 we rapidly responded to a call University of Oxford, the zoo’s Head of tiger habitats, while also improving their ecology of the Golden mantella frog and the of protected areas, and 85% of the total to restore 11 ponds that were damaged by Conservation Science carried out a major economic and social situations. The project initiation of a new amphibian project with Jaguar range overlaps with livestock. illegal gold mining activities and conversion study of these conflicts across Latin America will work in the conflict hotspot areas the Harlequin frog. Staff from our Lower Jaguars therefore have to be able to co-exist into rice fields. We are continuing these in order to assess the levels of knowledge around Chitwan and Bardia to implement Vertebrate and Invertebrate Team have been with farmers and ranchers if the species restoration activities by engaging local and model the risk of conflict across the practical interventions to secure the safety of directly involved both in the field and through is to survive in the long-term, and conflict communities to plant more native trees range. The research also involved a series people and livestock, and expand livelihood facilitating international events. resolution can only succeed by correctly at the sites, and monitoring other ponds, of field case studies, which contributed opportunities to reduce community balancing the ecological (prey), practical Madagascar holds a vast diversity of to asses when they will be ready for re- towards the understanding of mitigation dependence on the forested areas where (livestock husbandry) and social (community amphibians with probably 500 species, but colonisation. approaches for different severities of conflict. tigers live. The project also ultimately aims pressures) factors that affect the problem. less than 300 of those are described. This wild. This allows the study of the movements to understand and change key human Current results from the field do not allow Findings from 43 published studies and 117 behaviours which threaten local tiger exceptional richness has been disturbed of individual Golden mantellas between expert-described cases show that human- by introduced species and the rapid researchers to accurately estimate the breeding ponds. In 2014 we ran the first populations. We will also carry out ecological size of Golden mantella populations in the Jaguar conflict occurs not only on cattle Tiger Conflict in Nepal research to improve the understanding of deforestation, impact of the collection for capture-mark-recapture sessions in four wild. In fact, direct counts can be very ranches, but also seriously affects farmers In the Terai lowlands of Nepal, measures the dynamics of tiger populations around trade and the need of better understanding ponds and this will continue into 2015. with mixed income sources as well as of the ecology of these species give us great biased as detection of the species can be to reduce poaching of tigers have led both parks. In 2014 we also facilitated several amphibian smallholders and indigenous communities. need to focus our efforts on this island. very challenging. This lack of population to increases in tiger populations within conservation workshops such as a Regardless of the ecological, cultural or estimates hinders the development of protected areas, particularly in Chitwan Researcher Links Workshop for the Critically socio-economic context, shortage of Last Refuge of the Golden Mantella Frog a strategy to sustainably manage the National Park. This, in turn, has led to an Endangered Axolotl in Mexico and the wild prey combined with poor livestock population. increase of deadly encounters between The Golden mantella frog is found only Second Action Plan for the Conservation husbandry is reported as the main reasons tigers and people in the community- in the district of Moramanga in Eastern Due to the small size of the species (less of Malagasy Amphibians (ACSAM2) in for losses. However, positive or negative managed reserve forests adjacent to the Madagascar. Within its restricted range, than two grams in weight and one cm in Madagascar. attitudes towards Jaguars are not linked park. Similarly, in Bardia National Park, tigers the species is subject to collection for the length) and absence of natural markings, it to actual losses of livestock. From 17 case are well-protected and increasing numbers international pet trade and habitat loss due is almost impossible to identify individuals. studies across seven countries we found are expected to cause similar problems to slash-and-burn agriculture, conversion of that farmers’ opinions and behaviours We at Chester Zoo ran tests in captivity in the near future. Such human-tiger breeding ponds into rice fields and legal or towards Jaguars vary considerably, and using implanted fluorescent silicone Top Left: The Golden mantella frog is just one conflict threatens to unravel Nepal’s tiger illegal mining. (VIE) under the skin to act as a markers. cm long. were not correlated with factors such conservation success and must be resolved as dependence on livestock for income To ensure the protection of the Golden Following the success of this new marking Top Right: Implanting a Golden mantella with to protect both the cats as well as the very or other socio-economic variables. The Top Left: Community forest next to Chitwan mantellas’ key habitats, our in country method in captivity, researchers have VIE under the skin allowing future monitoring poor communities who live in these areas. only pattern found true across the Jaguar National Park. partner, Madagasikara Voakajy (MaVoa) implemented this technique allowing them of this indivdual. range was that attitudes towards Jaguars In collaboration with the Nepalese NGO Top Right: Tiger awareness sign near Chitwan created the Mangabe protected area with to obtain more accurate estimates of Bottom: A Golden mentella frog with an could be predicted by a combination of Green Governance Nepal and Oxford National Park. the local communities, authorities and the population population sizes of frogs in the implanted fluorescent silicone marker. 36 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 37

Chester Zoo Conservation Grants Conserving British Wildlife PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR CONSERVATION ACTING LOCALLY IN THE UK PROJECTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

Diverse projects, exceptional events, and appropriate management has been and high profile media coverage, implemented. clearly demonstrate our continued The third Biodiversity Trainees cohort commitment to UK conservation. completed their placements and found Each year we support an extensive Many of the projects we support through Fish Animal Activities employment soon after leaving. In March, range of conservation projects our grants are also long-term partners This year we made a major commitment the final trainees in this HLF-funded project In 2014 our Hazel dormouse research through our Conservation and who we have been supporting for several towards the conservation of goodeids in embarked on particularly diverse individual reached ten years of data collection Research Grant Scheme. These years. On-going support was provided Mexico. The zoo has been supporting training and work experience programmes. and celebrated a ‘decade of dormouse projects range from species for Spectacled bear conservation in Peru, Mexican goodeid conservation for many The project ends in 2015, but external discoveries’ including an appearance on monitoring and habitat protection to the Na’an ku sê Carnivore Conservation years and an exciting new project phase funding is being sought for a new version of BBC Countryfile and papers at the 9th training and education. Competition Research Project in Namibia and the this year will aim to re-establish two extinct this highly successful scheme. International Dormouse Conference in for grants is always high, and our Giant Armadillo Project and Lowland Tapir species back into the wild over the coming Denmark. Our vet’s experience in micro The Bloom marketing campaign included review process helps ensure we Conservation Initiative in Brazil. years. chipping dormice proved invaluable in a wildlife recording activity, engaging award grants to projects which have Birds Studentships and Scholarships development of protocols to facilitate a new audience in this simple but vital the potential to deliver the greatest species in the collection, and protect licencing of this procedure in the UK. conservation action, and gathering a conservation impact. In 2014 we In South Africa we funded a study to Seven Conservation Studentships were badgers living on the zoo estate. Staff significant number of sightings. supported over 40 projects, some determine the safety of carprofen in a wild awarded this year including research into Large heath caterpillars reared here assisted with surveys and vaccination of six examples of these include: vulture population. Carprofen is an anti- the ecology and habitat use of lemurs, the pupated successfully and 171 individuals badgers in 2014. Exceptional Events inflammatory drug used on cattle and could effects of elephant induced habitat change were transported to the Lancashire Mammals provide a safe alternative to diclofenac, a on the Mountain bongo and the status, reintroduction site. When adult butterflies Plant Projects The event highlight this year was the British Wildlife Conservation in Action In Argentina we supported an ambitious widely used drug which proves fatal when ecology and conservation of Asian short- emerged zoo staff helped with the release Monitoring at field sites for many of the symposium which received exceptionally project in the Ibera region where ecological vultures feed on carcasses of treated cattle, clawed otters. and press coverage – that day, for the first rare native plants that the zoo works with good feedback, and attracted our restoration is making reintroductions of and which has had a devastating impact on time in 100 years mating pairs of Large found the species doing well in most cases, The Richard Hughes Scholarship, which largest audience yet for a conservation species such as the Jaguar possible, and vulture populations around the world. heath butterflies were seen at Heysham and natural regeneration was observed in is awarded to projects with a focus symposium. The zoo also hosted the BIAZA in Misiones another project is establishing Moss. Butterflies collected from the donor some. 72 zoo-grown Black poplar trees Other bird projects included a study into on elephant management, welfare or Native Species and Plant Working Groups biological corridors for a range of carnivores site for the second rearing phase at the were planted by partners at locations in the Ecuador amazon parrot and continued conservation, was awarded to a project conference, RECORD conference, and a such as Bush dogs. In Sumatra we zoo laid few eggs, so a third phase is Cheshire and North Wales, and more support for the Mabula ground hornbill investigating how land-use change in Kenya very informative wildlife law training course. contributed funds towards a Human scheduled. Common barberry was established along project in South Africa and the conservation is driving human-elephant conflict and We joined in the BIAZA BioBlitz - over 24 Orangutan Conflict Response Unit, which the Shropshire Union canal for the Barberry of Black crowned cranes in West Africa. elephant movement. The arrival of a Scottish wildcat in the hours a team of zoo staff, local experts responds to incidents of human-orangutan carpet moth project. Plant conservation collection coincided with the zoo becoming and volunteers scoured the zoo estate for conflict, including confiscating illegally Please see Appendix 8: Worldwide projects featured on BBC Radio 4’s Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates official partners in the Scottish Wildcat wildlife, resulting in an impressive 2003 captured orangutans and translocating conservation activities for a comprehensive Gardener’s Question Time. This year we funded two new crocodile Action Plan, and funding camera traps for these individuals back to viable habitats list of project support in 2014. records from 431 species. conservation projects. In Sri Lanka we wildcat surveys. where possible. Community Conservation supported a project investigating the impacts Having previously supported badger Professor Stefan Buczacki opened the We also awarded grants for projects of human-crocodile conflict and in Malaysian vaccination programmes for two local Chester Zoo Nature Reserve at an event reducing the threat of disease to African Borneo we supported a study into the impact Top Left: A cheetah is fitted with a radio wildlife groups implementing our own was attended by local conservation partners, Top Left: Monitoring at the Common juniper painted dogs by vaccination of domestic of habitat fragmentation and expanding collar ©Na’an ku sê Carnivore Conservation a natural progression. Since the zoo is funders, and zoo trustees. Since opening reintroduction site. dogs in Zimbabwe, a project monitoring human populations on the behaviour of Research Project. surrounded by farmland, on the edge of the visitor numbers have been steady, and Top Right: Dormouse survey filmed for lemur populations in a new protected area estuarine crocodiles. Continued support Top Middle: Camera trap image of Giant high risk bovine TB region, we have started an increase in wildlife is already apparent. Countryfile. of Madagascar and an education awareness was also provided for Philippine crocodiles Armadillo © Giant Armadillo Project. a five year badger vaccination programme. Survey work highlighted a small area Middle Top: Mating Large heath butterflies initiative helping reduce human-carnivore and we also contribute to a zoo-community Top Right: Mexican goodeid reintroduction This aims to minimise TB risk to susceptible of rare unimproved neutral grassland, at Heysham Moss. conflict in Tanzania. supported Partula snail project in Polynesia. programme. 38 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 39

Global Partnerships for Progress WORKING WITH ZOO ASSOCIATIONS, WILDLIFE Islands Under Threat ORGANISATIONS & CONSERVATION AGENCIES WORLDWIDE PROTECTING INDONESIA’S WILDLIFE

Much of the important work that we do our impact on the planet. We also used the East Representative of IZE and sits on the is dependent on us working with like- staff green travel initiative to encourage staff Board. Within the European and Middle minded and trusted partners. to clock up enough ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ East region there are 12 Institutional The islands of Indonesia encompass trial release of a small number of starlings miles to equal the distance between the members, zoos demonstrating a strong World and Regional Zoo Associations seven major geographical regions, took place in 2013 and the population is two poles (approx 12,500 miles). commitment to education. The 2014 and are unquestionably one of the doing well. Monitoring of the free-living During the year staff attended and international conference hosted by Ocean International Union for Conservation world’s top biodiversity rich countries population on the island of Nusa Penida participated in a number of World and Park in Hong Kong, was very well attended (IUCN) and a priority for global conservation. also continues. Regional Zoo association meetings and with 158 delegates representing 105 Complementing the Islands played a key role in running workshops institutions from 30 countries. Under the The Komodo dragon, the world’s largest The IUCN is the key global conservation development at Chester Zoo, our and chairing meetings. As a leading zoo it IZE sponsorship scheme, there were 10 lizard, is another Indonesian flagship organisation and responsible for the support for conservation in Indonesia is very important that we remain involved sponsored delegates from developing species. Surveys this year assessed production of the list of species under continued to develop in 2014. in the production of the global and regional threat known as the Red List. Chester Zoo country education programmes. These the genetic variety of the different wild zoo association strategies and ensure that is is proud to be amongst the organisations included three educators from in situ Throughout South East Asia songbird Komodo dragon populations in Indonesia, our strategy is aligned with them. providing financial support for the SSC’s projects we support: Hutan in Sabah, conservation is a major area in need as well as the populations in zoos. This Borneo, the Sumatran Orangutan of attention. Trade in wild songbirds is valuable information will guide future Many of our staff play a key role within the Directors position. Conservation Project in Sumatra, and the reaching crisis point, and formally common management and conservation activities. European and British and Irish Association Within the IUCN the specialist group Laikipia Wildlife Forum in Kenya. We are birds are disappearing at an alarming Following on from this research, the zoo of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA and BIAZA). perhaps most relevant to zoos is the now preparing for the 2016 conference rate. The zoo and other partners, working has committed to a three year project This work involves Chairing Taxon Advisory Captive Breeding Specialist Group CBSG to be held in Argentina and hosted by alongside the Cikananga Conservation to comprehensively assess the status conservation activities in Sumatra can also Groups, Research Groups or managing and again Chester Zoo is proud to provide Fundación Temaikèn where the theme will Breeding Centre (CCBC) in Java, are and distribution of Komodo dragon be found in the Realm of The Red Ape page. studbooks. We are currently responsible financial support to the Director of CBSG. be ‘The power of the narrative’. battling to prevent the extinction of some populations on the island of Flores using for four European Studbooks (ESBs): Elsewhere we provided funding for a of Java’s most threatened birds through camera traps. Jaguar, Mountain frog, Sumatran Amphibian Survival Alliance NEZS Gold Medal research project examining stress in wild conservation-breeding, education and re- laughingthrush and Burmese brow-antlered On Sumatra we continue conservation Sulawesi macaques in the Tangkoko Nature 1,895 of the planet’s 6,285 amphibians While the work we do to conserve introductions. deer, seven European Endangered Species Reserve. The project aims to determine are in danger of extinction, making them biodiversity is on a global scale we are support for the Painted terrapin, a priority Breeding Programmes (EEPs): Eastern whether the presence of tourism, alongside the most threatened group of species of course just a small piece in a very Despite a major setback in June when a conservation species in Indonesia. We bongo, Komodo dragon, Ecuador amazon range restrictions, contribute to stress in known to date. The Amphibian Survival large picture and we are very proud to large number of birds were stolen, progress provide financial and technical support for parrot, Blue throated macaw, Black rhino, the macaques and will help inform species alliance (ASA) is a global partnership work alongside a great many friends and continues to be made. Five Critically this project which is collecting, rearing and Javan green magpie, Rodrigues fruit bat Endangered Javan green magpies, one of releasing hatchlings back to their natural management in the reserve. The zoo also for Amphibian conservation. The ASA partners to make a greater impact. In 2014 (also the international studbook for this the world’s most threatened birds, were habitat in the Seruway Mangrove Forest, contributed towards the publication of the is a motivated and effective network of the Society honoured one of our long term species) and for the Monitoring Programme successfully reared to independence and boosting wild numbers. Indonesian National Conservation Action organisations working together to stem friends and conservation partners, Roland for the Grey breasted Parakeet. For a full Black-winged starlings, bred at CCBC and Plans for Anoa, Banteng and Babirusa, the rapid loss of amphibian populations Wirth, with the Society’s highest award, the We also continue our support for list of Chester Zoo staff on external boards reintroduced back into the wild, are now which will inform all those involved in the and species worldwide by implementing Gold Medal. the Sumatran rhino; where recent see appendix 3. starting to rear their own young in nest conservation of the species within Indonesia the global Amphibian Conservation Action assessments predict that as few as only boxes provided by the team and protected and beyond. Each year we support the EAZA annual Plan (ACAP). Chester Zoo is proud to have 100 wild individuals now persist, restricted by local villagers. campaign. In 2014 this was Pole to provided financial support to the ASA since to only three sites. This year, as a result Pole, focusing on raising awareness and its inception and the Director General is a The Bali starling is another species of a 2014 crisis meeting, we provided stimulating behaviour change for the Board member. Top Left: The IZE conference in 2014 impacted by the songbird trade. This financial support towards the development conservation of biodiversity between the was held in Ocean Park, Hong Kong and beautiful iconic bird is the emblem for of a Sumatran Rhino Conservation Top Left: Sumatran laughingthrush at the International Zoo Educators (IZE) two poles. We supported this by inviting attended by our Education Programmes the island of Bali, but teeters on the Strategy, a critically important process Cikananga Conservation Breeding Centre. visitors to our Hot Pink Flamingo exhibition Chester Zoo is an institutional member Manager. brink of extinction. There are currently which will engage all stakeholders and Top Middle: Bali Starling release into the in the Joseph Banks Room that focused of IZE and our Education Programmes Top Right: Roland Wirth being presented approximately 80 birds held at the aviaries plan the measures needed to save wild by the Begawan Foundation. on climate change and how we can reduce Manager is the European and Middle with the NEZS Gold Medal. managed by the Begawan Foundation. A this species. Details on our orangutan Top Right: Komodo Dragon. 40 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 41

Keeper for a Day Scheme Zoo Expedition 2014 STAFF INVOLVEMENT IN WORLDWIDE CONSERVATION STAFF GO WILD FOR PARROTS IN ECUADOR

In 2014 the first annual plantations. Due to this there are thought to zoo expedition took Ed Boyd, Education Officer: “As an be just three sub-populations of the Ecuador place. Funded through Education Officer we are often telling amazon parrot left, occurring only in places our Keeper for a Day the story of conservation to school and where dry forest and mangrove exist in close Scheme, the expedition college groups, but until now I have never enough proximity for them to fly between the provides an opportunity experienced life in the field first hand. two habitats on a daily basis. for staff, not just from the Animal and This new experience gained will add an The Cerro Blanco is the only Protected Field Programme Teams, but from all extra level of depth to my explanations Forest within the range of the species and divisions of the zoo to be involved in of what the zoo does when talking to is home to the last stronghold and largest the zoo’s worldwide conservation work. students. Being part of the expedition made me feel like a valued member of sub-population. The expedition team’s Chester Zoo’s ‘Keeper for a Day’ and also conducted a number of school husbandry techniques and enclosure The destination was one of the last staff at Chester Zoo.” flock counts suggest there are at least 139 scheme provides an opportunity for workshops on the importance of elephants design for orangutans. She also visited remaining Ecuadorian dry forests - the individuals using the Cerro Blanco to feed visitors to experience a day in the life and their ecosystems and the best ways to our partners at the Sumatran Orangutan Cerro Blanco Protected Forest. Situated on in, but estimate a total of no more than 186 Conservation Programme to work alongside of a zoo keeper, spending a full day protect them. the south west coast just 20 minutes’ drive conservation. remaining in this sub-population. Compared working alongside staff from one of our teams involved in the rehabilitation and Our Formal Learning Coordinator spent from Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, this to the last estimate of 214 (2006) this animal or plant teams. The income from translocation of confiscated orangutans. The team was made up of 10 members of shows a slight decline. The results from the two weeks in the Lewa Conservancy, forest of just over 6,000 hectares is home this scheme provides opportunities Another Primate Team member attended staff, consisting of those selected for their expedition were fed back to the IUCN Red Kenya, where he provided support for to a species that has played an important for zoo staff to get involved with the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) skills and expertise and those selected List to support the change in the Ecuador the environmental education programme, part in the zoo’s history for many years, the conservation projects, and attend workshop in Kenya where she delivered a at random. There were representatives amazon parrot’s conservation status from helping to develop monitoring and evaluation Ecuador amazon parrot. conferences and meetings. In 2014 the presentation and workshop on husbandry from many zoo divisions, including PR, Least Concern to Endangered – we are techniques and taking part in a teacher fund enabled nine members of staff to techniques. Chester Zoo has kept this charismatic Marketing, Discovery and Learning, Bird very pleased with this as it highlights to undertake activities around the world training conference. parrot since 1982, holding 68 parrots over International Zoo Visits Team, Field Programmes Team, Horticulture others that this is indeed a species in need and also funded the zoo expedition to The Twilight Team Assistant Team Manager that time and successfully breeding and Team (see photograph), and the team was of conservation support and one whose Ecuador. and a keeper from our Carnivore Team A member of our Elephant Team visited rearing 32 chicks, the highest success led by our Director General. future we need to consider carefully. Dallas Zoo where he spent a week working rate in Europe. Currently you can see them Field Conservation Projects visited Proyecto Ibera, a project in Argentina with their keepers. He was able to learn in the zoo’s Parrot Breeding Centre. This The team carried out observations of The expedition was a huge success, not which aims to restore viable populations of only did the team come back with vital Our Applied Ethologist and Horticulturist from new training and husbandry techniques parrot also holds a soft spot in the heart of the species in the dry forest where they a variety of species through reintroductions. information on the Ecuador amazon parrot Team Manager took part in a two week which the team hope to implement at our Director General who began his career feed and undertook flock counts twice The zoo has been supporting the that will help us to conserve it into the exploration of the Gashaka Gumti National Chester Zoo and also experienced how working with them and then went on to daily as they flew from their dry forest development of their jaguar reintroduction future, but they had a great time and learnt Park in Nigeria. They were joined by elephants are managed as part of a large study them for a further 14 years. Mark also feeding grounds to the communal coastal project for a number of years. They had a huge amount doing so. However, there botanists, horticulturists, wildlife experts and mixed exhibit. manages the European Endangered Species mangroves roosting sites. From this they the opportunity to visit the facilities where are many questions still unanswered, so engineers from a range of organisations with Breeding Programme for this species. could build up a much better picture of the Jaguars being prepared for reintroduction further research is needed, but of course the aim of surveying the park’s wildlife. The parrots’ behaviour. Tree surveys were also are housed and offered advice on various The zoo has been supporting the Chester Zoo will continue to look for ways expedition accessed areas of the park which done, looking at the availability of trees aspects of husbandry and enclosure monitoring, research and protection of to help safeguard the future of this species. are remote and little studied, and the results Top Left: Staff involvement at the PASA with large enough trunks to support nest design. They also visited the on-going and Ecuador amazon parrots in the Cerro of this monitoring helped identify a number workshop. cavities, and camera traps were placed successful Giant anteater project. Staff involvement with Giant Blanco since January 2013, this work of priority areas for increased protection. Top Right around the forest to gain an overview of the is carried out by our project partner, Animal Health and Welfare Workshops Anteater reintroduction programme. forest’s biodiversity. Top Left: The Ecuador expedition team In India, a member of our Elephant Team Bottom Left: Nigeria expedition. Fundacion ProBosque. The aim of outside the Cerro Blanco Protected Forest visited the Assam Haathi Project where he The Primate Team Assistant Team Manager Bottom Middle: Applied Ethologist and the expedition was to run an intensive The vast majority of Ecuador’s mangrove administration building. assisted with the implementation of human- travelled to Indonesia to take part in the Horticulture Team Manager in Nigeria. monitoring programme in the dry forest and and dry forest has been destroyed due Top Right: Looking out from a view point elephant conflict mitigation methods. He annual Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Bottom Right: Staff involvement with mangrove over two weeks of the breeding to shrimp farming, banana and cocoa in the Cerro Blanco forest, over the shrimp helped with the construction of electric Group workshop where she delivered Assam Haathi Project, electric fence season to build up our knowledge of this production industries. A more recent farms that have encroached into the fencing, distribution of spotlights to villages a presentation and workshop on the construction. species in order to help direct its future concern is the creation of palm oil mangrove forest. 42 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 43 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE Trustees and Governance • ensuring that the Society has a clear vision, Ethical Review Committee – prime The Trustees, as a body of charity trustees and mission and strategic direction and is responsibility for advising the Executive of the as directors for the purposes of company law, focused on achieving these; Society, on behalf of the Trustees, in respect YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 have general control and management of the • being responsible for the performance of the of all research and ethics with animals, and to administration of the Society. They determine Society and for its “corporate” behaviour; oversee the ethical activities of the Society in Reference and Administrative Details of the North of England Objectives and Activities...... 45 the strategic direction and policies of the so far as they relate to the advancement of the • ensuring that the Society complies with all Zoological Society, its Trustees and Advisors...... 42 Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2014...... 45 Society, with consultation and discussion with Society’s stated mission. Structure, Governance and Management 43 Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 46 legal and regulatory requirements; ...... the Director General and Managing Director of Business Operations Committee - prime • acting as guardians of the Society’s assets, the Society as Principal Executives and their responsibility for advising the Trustees on both tangible and intangible, taking all due staff who implement policy. all financial, human resource and business care over their security, deployment and matters, in accordance with the Society’s REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE NORTH OF ENGLAND ZOOLOGICAL The number of Trustees shall be not less than proper application; three and not more than twenty of whom not strategic objectives. • ensuring that the Society’s governance is of SOCIETY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS more than sixteen shall be Elected Trustees Audit and Risk Management Committee the highest possible standard. and not more than five shall be Co-opted – responsibility to review the effectiveness Trustees. Elected Trustees, who must be and integrity of systems for internal financial The North of England Zoological Society Honorary Positions Advisors Trustee Committees (“the Society”) is a registered charity members of the Society, are elected by the control, risk assessment procedures, President External Advisors to the Conservation and (Number 306077) and a company limited by members at the Annual General Meeting to The Trustees have delegated aspects of information technology security, procedures Education Committee guarantee (Number 287902), regulated by its His Grace, The Duke of Westminster, KG, CB, serve for a maximum of six years. Co-opted their powers to committees consisting of for detecting fraud, appointment of senior Memorandum and Articles of Association. Its CVO, OBE, TD, CD, DL Brian Coles Trustees are co-opted by the Trustees, to serve some of their members, relevant staff and finance staff, appointment of external auditors for up to fifteen months from being appointed. other advisors. These committees report and review of audit findings and to investigate, principal and registered office is Cedar House, Vice Presidents Dr Caroline Evans Zoological Gardens, Caughall Road, Upton by The Trustees hold at least four formal meetings to the Trustees on matters that require on behalf of the Trustees, any financial and John Makinson Chester, Chester, CH2 1LH. The Right Honourable Lord Wade of Chorlton, each year, together with an Annual General their knowledge or approval. The Trustees administrative matter which may put the kt, JP Tim Sibthorp Meeting. The Chairman and Vice Chairman also receive copies of the full minutes of all charity at risk. The Society, also known as Chester Zoo, are elected by the Trustees from their current committee meetings. The Honourable Lady Jane Heber-Percy Dr Phill Watts (Until 15 April 2014) Remuneration Committee – determines owns a trading subsidiary company, Chester membership, for a period not exceeding three Zoo Enterprises Limited, whose taxable profits The Right Honourable Baroness Rendell of Conservation and Education Committee - remuneration and conditions of service for External Advisors to the Animal Health, years before re-election for a maximum of one are transferred to the Society via Gift Aid. Babergh, CBE prime responsibility for advising the Trustees directors and other key executives. Welfare and Husbandry Sub-committee further term not exceeding three years. They on all conservation and education matters, in Trustee Nominations Committee – takes During the year Chester Zoo Islands Limited Trustees on the date of this report and are not required to retire in accordance with the Dr Julian Chantrey accordance with the mission. responsibility for identifying and proposing new (“CZIL”), a company limited by guarantee serving during the Year: six year maximum in this circumstance. (registered in England, no. 08603343), which Brian Coles Animal Health, Welfare and Husbandry Trustees, and (if elected) for their subsequent Elected by the members Key Responsibilities of the Trustees Sub-committee – audits and provides advice induction, support and development. Reviews was also a linked charity (Charity Commission Michael Stanford registered no. 306077-1), was dissolved. CZIL Professor Peter Wheeler Chairman With other Trustees to hold the Society on animal health, welfare and husbandry. the governance structure of the Society and was formed to facilitate the management of Rebecca Burke-Sharples CBE Vice Chairman External Advisors to the Ethical Review “in trust” for current and future Reports to the Conservation and Education recommends changes to maintain a high the Society’s Islands exhibit. However in 2014 Sub-committee beneficiaries by: Committee. standard of Trustees’ governance. Malcolm Ardron (From 24 June 2014) it was decided to manage Islands through Prof Sarah Andrew NEZS. CZIL was dormant from incorporation Professor Malcolm Bennett until dissolution. Catherine Buckley Dr Jeremy Playfer During the year Chester Zoo Foundation Professor Stefan Buczacki External Advisor to the Audit and Risk Nigeria (“CZFN”), an unlimited company Brian Child Management Committee (registered in England, no. 08904330), was formed. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dr Simon Dowell Simon Bleckly Chester Zoo (Nigeria) Limited (“CZNL”), a Robert Mee DL Auditors limited company (registered in England, Professor Russell Newton no. 08374657). CZNL is a wholly-owned KPMG LLP, 8 Princes Parade, Liverpool, L3 1QH subsidiary of the Society. CZNL and David Pickering Internal Auditor CZFN which were both dormant from Angela Pinnington (From 24 June 2014) incorporation until the year end, will facilitate BDO LLP, 3 Hardman Street, Spinningfields, Dr Judith Skerritt the management of the Society’s conservation Manchester, M3 3AT activities in Nigeria. Bruce Ursell Solicitors The Society also formed and is the sole Simon Venables (From 24 June 2014) member of the North of England Zoological Tony Williams Aaron & Partners, Grosvenor Court, Foregate Society Pension Trustee Company Limited, a Street, Chester, CH1 1HG company limited by guarantee (registered in Co-opted by the Trustees DTM Legal LLP, Archway House, Station Road, England, no. 9173532) to provide improved Chester, CH1 3DW governance of the Society’s two pension Malcolm Ardron schemes. Knights LLP, 34 Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN Angela Pinnington Bankers Principal Executives Santander, 7th Floor, 4 St Paul’s Square, Dr Mark Pilgrim Director General Liverpool, L3 9SJ Jamie Christon Managing Director The Co-operative Bank, 3rd Floor, Station Company Secretary House, Stamford New Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1EP Nick Clarke Actuaries Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Exchange Station, Tithebarn Street, Liverpool, L2 2QP The board of NEZS Trustees. 44 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 45 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (CONT) OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The Standing Committee structure at 31 December 2014 is indicated in the table below: Strategic Objectives of the Zoo to those on low incomes. The Opportunities also exist for the Society’s majority of all visitors enjoyed concessionary employees who become disabled to continue Animal Health, The Society’s vision and mission are set out Conservation Ethical Business Audit & Risk Trustee Pension prices set to encourage visits by children, in their employment or to be trained for other Committees Welfare and Remuneration on the inside front cover of Zoo Review. Its and Education Review Operations Management Nominations scheme(1) students, families, senior citizens and those positions within the Society. Husbandry objects, as set out in its Memorandum and with disabilities, and 29,000 received free Articles of Association, are (a) to promote Malcolm Ardron x admission. Details of our prices and discount Investment Policy the conservation of the physical and natural terms and conditions are available from our environment by promoting biodiversity; and Investment powers are limited to those available Prof Malcolm Bennett x Chair website www.chesterzoo.org. Over 103,000 (b) to advance the education of the public on under the Society’s Memorandum and Articles concessionary priced student visits had a Catherine Buckley x the conservation of the physical and natural of Association and charity legislation. direct instructive content, of which 18,096 world and the promotion of biodiversity; in Prof Stefan Buczacki x received free admission and 23,700 were The Trustees’ objective is, in the normal particular by but not limited to the provision taught by our staff. course of events, to maintain the capital Rebecca Burke-Sharples x Chair x x Chair of public education, scientific study and the value of the Society’s investment assets, maintenance of endangered animals, plants whilst allowing the Society to withdraw funds Brian Child x Employee Involvement and habitats in both protective and natural as required. Accordingly, the investments are The Society continues to provide employees environments. held in liquid assets. The performance of the Dr Simon Dowell Chair x x with information on matters of concern assets is benchmarked against the seven Public Benefit to them and regularly consults them and Robert Mee Chair x x day and three month London Interbank their representatives about the affairs of the The Trustees have complied with the duty in Bid Rate. The Society has not set a policy Prof Russell Newton x Society. Every effort is made to maintain and section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have on the social, environmental and ethical develop existing arrangements to achieve a David Pickering x due regard to public guidance published considerations of its investments, or on common awareness amongst employees of by the Charity Commission, including its their corporate governance. The Trustees Angela Pinnington x the financial and economic factors affecting supplementary guidance on fee charging. monitor the investment performance and the the performance of the Society. Employees appropriateness of this policy on an ongoing Dr Judith Skerritt x x x In 2014 over 1,400,000 visits were made are also encouraged to contribute ideas that basis. Bruce Ursell x Chair x x by members of the public to enjoy an will improve quality and performance in all educational experience at Chester Zoo. The aspects and areas of the Society. The Trustees’ Report on pages 42 to 45 Simon Venables x Society relies on income from admission was approved by the Trustees on the fees, catering and retail sales and other Disabled Persons 3 July 2015 and signed on their behalf by: Prof Peter Wheeler x x Chair x charges to cover its operating costs but in It is the Society’s policy to give full Tony Williams x x x setting the pricing structure, the Trustees consideration to suitable applications Professor Peter Wheeler give careful consideration to the accessibility for employment from disabled persons. Chairman of Trustees (1) Not a committee of the Trustees. The Trustees nominate four persons (two others being nominated by members of the pension scheme) to act as directors of The North of England Zoological Society Pension Trustee Company Limited which acts as sole trustee of The North of England Zoological Society Superannuation Fund Scheme. This was established to provide pension benefits to employees of the Society.

Trustees – Recruitment to its success. It is vitally important therefore officers which gives them appropriate cover Each year, the Trustees prepare a list of that the Trustees understand the overall day against the consequences of any neglect or STRATEGIC REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 names of members of the Society that they to-day operational activities of the Society. default on their part. To this end, new Trustees are encouraged recommend for election to the Trustee board Review of Activities, Achievements and The Society received bequests totalling Plans for Future Periods to complete an induction tour of the zoo’s at the Annual General meeting. The Trustee Performance £166,000 (2013: £224,000); Nominations Committee interview nominees various divisions, and to discuss with the The Islands Project is entering the last The financial statements have been produced wishing to be elected, considering them executive team the role and function of each • Trading turnover of Chester Zoo Enterprises stages of construction, with Laing O’Rourke in the format prescribed by the Charity against the following characteristics: division, and the part it plays in the fulfilment Limited rose to £8.2m (2013: £7.7m) from completing as principal contractor on 31 of the Society’s mission. Commission’s Statement of Recommended its catering and retail activities, as a result March 2015. Additional works will continue • Do they support the aims of the Society? Practice (‘SORP 2005’). of increased visitors and additional vending through to the planned opening in July 2015. The relationship between the executive and • What can they contribute to the Society? the Trustees is further enhanced by the The Zoo has achieved another record breaking space. This £39m project will provide a unique visitor • Do their skills enhance or fill any current formation of ad hoc joint working parties to year, with income reaching £29.8m, up 6% on attraction that will be one of the largest in gaps in the overall skills of the Trustees as consider strategic issues. This is seen to 2013, and visitors, excluding under 3’s at an Total Resources Expended were £26.1m Europe and feature a boat trip around the a whole? not only develop the Trustees’ awareness all-time high at 1.284m (2013: 1.274m). (2013: £25m) due to:- South East Asian Islands coupled with a spectacular Monsoon Rainforest Exhibit. • Is there a balance in terms of the mix of of the activities of the operational arm of Total incoming resources rose by £1.6m • Spend on charitable activities; which rose The project will continue to be funded out of ethnic, gender and age that reflects the the Society, but is also designed to develop to £29.8m (2013: £28.2m). Net incoming to £17.6m (2013: £16.9m); Society reserves and bank borrowing. Costs of membership? the relationship between the Trustees and resources before other recognised gains and • Total employee costs; rose to £10.9m £17.0m were capitalised during the year. the executive management and staff. The (2013: £3.1m) • Are they eligible by law to fulfil the role of a losses increased to £3.7m , (2013: £10.3m); combined meeting of Trustees and the trustee of a charity? producing an overall net cash inflow from executive team at the bi-monthly meetings incoming resources of £8.8m (2013: £6.7m). • Expenditure on outreach programmes Restricted and Designated Funds Careful consideration in the recruitment of of Trustees further enhances this relationship decreased slightly to £1.1m due to the Restricted income funds derive from Total Incoming Resources Included:- Trustees is vital for ensuring there is a balance and awareness of operational issues. delay in timing of payments (2013: £1.2m); donations, grants and legacies received and of expertise and in particular a balance • Income from charitable activities rose to Each Trustee is issued with an induction • Cost of Goods sold from the catering are put towards a variety of capital projects between the scientific skills on the one hand £18.7m (2013: £17.5m) – this covers visitor pack on becoming a Trustee that covers their and retail activities rose to £7.1m (2013: and outreach activities. The Society’s free and the commercial and business skills on admissions to the Zoo, memberships, roles and responsibilities and the mission, £6.9m) which reflected the higher turnover. reserves may be defined as that part of its the other. The first is to ensure the scientific vision, values, strategy and current plans for Gift Aid, monorail and waterbus rides. unrestricted income funds that are freely The net other recognised loss in respect of activities of the Society fall within the scope the Society. Every Trustee is encouraged Memberships continued to provide an available for its general purposes. This the pension fund was £0.4m (2013: £0.4m). of its mission and the second is to ensure to attend an appropriate external training excellent contribution with membership therefore excludes those funds that could the future financial stability and prudent course, covering all aspects of the role and income at £3.3m (2013: £2.8m); The net cash inflow from incoming resources only be realised by disposing of fixed assets development of the Society. responsibilities of being a charity trustee. • Voluntary income, covering donations, of £8.8m (2013: £6.7m) was utilised to partly held for charitable use. Accordingly the adoptions and grants in the year decreased fund net capital expenditure of £17.5m Trustees consider it appropriate to set aside Trustees – Training Trustees’ Third Party Indemnity slightly to £2.8m (2013: £2.9m) as a result (2013: £7.7m); the majority of which was reserves equivalent to the net book value of The Society sees the relationship between the The Society purchases liability insurance of the impact of the Consumer Contracts spent on Islands. The rest of the capital the tangible assets as a designated fund of executive and the Trustees as fundamental cover for the Society, its Trustees and other Regulations introduced in June 2014. expenditure was funded from reserves. £35.8m (2013: £21.2m). 46 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 47 STRATEGIC REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (CONT)

Other designated funds principally relate to prudent to allow such reserves to fall below • the Trustee has taken all the steps that he/ the Society’s capital expenditure programme zero. The Society’s other charitable reserves she ought to have taken as a Trustee in for the forthcoming year, and to outreach at 31 December 2014, were £nil (2013: £nil) order to make himself/herself aware of any programmes which the Society commits to excluding designated reserves. relevant audit information and to establish support over the next three to five years. that the Society’s auditor is aware of that INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Statement of Trustees Responsibilities information. Principal Risks and Uncertainties The Trustees are responsible for preparing The confirmation is given and should be  The Trustees actively review the major risks the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial interpreted with the provisions of section 418 TO THE MEMBERS OF that the Society faces on a regular basis both statements in accordance with applicable law of the Companies Act 2006. generally and specifically, and believe that and regulations. maintaining free reserves within defined levels Auditor THE NORTH OF ENGLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY Company law requires the Trustees to prepare will provide sufficient resources in the event of financial statements for each financial year. The auditor, KPMG LLP, have indicated most adverse conditions. They also monitor Under that law they are required to prepare their willingness to continue in office and a the key financial and internal control systems We have audited the financial statements Respective Responsibilities of Trustees Opinion on Other Matter Prescribed by the the group and parent company financial resolution to reappoint them will be proposed and examine other operational and business of The North of England Zoological Society and Auditor Companies Act 2006 statements in accordance with UK Accounting at the Annual General Meeting. risks to which the Society is exposed and have for the year ended 31 December 2014 Standards and applicable law (UK Generally As explained more fully in the Statement of In our opinion the information in the strategic established systems to mitigate the significant set out on pages 48 to 63. The financial Accepted Accounting Practice). The Strategic Report on pages 45 to 46 Trustees’ Responsibilities set out on page report and trustees’ report for the financial year risks identified. reporting framework that has been applied was approved by the Trustees on the 3 July 46, the trustees (who are also the directors for which the financial statements are prepared Under company law the Trustees must not in their preparation is applicable law and UK The key risks identified by the Trustees are 2015 and signed on their behalf by: of the charitable company for the purposes is consistent with the financial statements. approve the financial statements unless they Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted macro-economic recessionary influences of company law) are responsible for the are satisfied that they give a true and fair Accounting Practice). reducing visitor numbers and income, preparation of the financial statements and for Matters on Which we are Required to view of the state of affairs of the group and contagious diseases leading to closure of the Professor Peter Wheeler This report is made solely to the charitable being satisfied that they give a true and fair Report by Exception charitable company and of the group’s excess zoo, lack of a robust procurement strategy, Chairman of Trustees company’s members, as a body, in view. of income over expenditure for that period. In We have nothing to report in respect of the value for money and operations in line with accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the preparing each of the group and charitable Our responsibility is to audit, and express following matters where the Companies Act ethical principles, security and robustness Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has company financial statements, the trustees are an opinion on, the financial statements 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our of IT systems and risk of major operational been undertaken so that we might state to the required to: in accordance with applicable law and opinion: charitable company’s members those matters incidents. International Standards on Auditing (UK and • select suitable accounting policies and then we are required to state to them in an auditor’s • the charitable company has not kept The effectiveness of the Society’s risk Ireland). Those standards require us to comply apply them consistently: report and for no other purpose. To the fullest adequate accounting records or returns assessment procedures are reviewed by the with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical extent permitted by law, we do not accept or adequate for our audit have not been Audit and Risk Management Committee. BDO • make judgements and estimates that are Standards for Auditors. assume responsibility to anyone other than received from branches not visited by us; or LLP are undertaking a schedule of internal reasonable and prudent; the charitable company and its members as a • the charitable company financial statements audits determined and scoped by the Audit • state whether applicable UK Accounting Scope of the Audit of the Financial body, for our audit work, for this report, or for are not in agreement with the accounting and Risk Management Committee and report Standards have been followed, subject Statements the opinions we have formed. records and returns; or back to the committee on a quarterly basis. to any material departures disclosed and A description of the scope of an audit of The Society’s Health and Safety Policy is explained in the financial statements; and financial statements is provided on the • certain disclosures of Trustees’ remuneration reviewed by the Trustees to ensure it remains Financial Reporting Council’s website at specified by law are not made; or both current and effective. • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate. • we have not received all the information and inappropriate to presume that the group explanations we require for our audit. Reserves and the charitable company will continue its Opinion on Financial Statements It is the general policy of the Society to activities. In our opinion the financial statements: apply towards its objectives as much cash The Trustees are responsible for keeping as it reasonably can, without accumulating • give a true and fair view of the state of adequate accounting records that are Will Baker (Senior Statutory Auditor) excessive reserves. The Trustees do not the group’s and the charitable company’s sufficient to show and explain the charitable consider it necessary to retain income in affairs as at 31 December 2014 and of the for and on behalf of company’s transactions and disclose respect of the Society’s designated fund group’s incoming resources and application with reasonable accuracy at any time the KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor activities. Whilst these funds have been of resources, including its income and Chartered Accountants financial position of the charitable company earmarked by the Trustees for particular expenditure, for the year then ended; 8 Princes Parade and enable them to ensure that its financial purposes or uses, they are not committed or Liverpool statements comply with the Companies Act • have been properly prepared in accordance restricted legally. L3 1QH 2006. They have general responsibility for with UK Generally Accepted Accounting The Society must have regard to its substantial taking such steps as are reasonably open to Practice; and continuing commitments, in terms of staffing them to safeguard the assets of the group • have been prepared in accordance with the 3 July 2015 and of its ongoing charitable objectives, and and to prevent and detect fraud and other Companies Act 2006. to the difficulty of predicting its precise income irregularities. in any year. It must have regard to the annual The Trustees are responsible for the cyclical swings of cash flow and such variable maintenance and integrity of the corporate factors as wet weather at peak visitor times, and financial information included on the competing attractions in the region, social charitable company’s website. Legislation trends, support for or opposition to zoos in in the UK governing the preparation and principle, the potential closure of the Zoo to dissemination of financial statements may visitors due to contagious disease or other differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. disasters, and varying levels of economic prosperity and employment. Disclosure of Information to Auditor The Trustees consider that other charitable reserves at the end of any financial year Each of the persons who are Trustees at the not exceeding 100% of the total resources date of approval of this report confirms that: expended during the year could properly be • So far as the Trustee is aware, there is regarded as both reasonable and justified. no relevant audit information of which the Equally it considers that it would not be Society’s auditor is unaware; 48 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 49 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities...... 48 Balance Sheets...... 49 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement...... 50 Principal Accounting Policies...... 51 Notes to the Financial Statements...... 53 BALANCE SHEETS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Consolidated Society (incorporating an income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 December 2014 2014 2013 2014 2013 Notes £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Fixed assets funds funds 2014 2013 Tangible assets 11 35,781 21,171 35,781 21,171 Notes £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Investment in subsidiary company 12 - - - - Incoming Resources 35,781 21,171 35,781 21,171 Incoming resources from charitable activities Current assets 2 18,688 - 18,688 17,453 Animals and botanical collection Stocks 13 476 453 50 115 Incoming resources from general funds Debtors 14 1,354 2,556 1,593 2,798 3 2,577 246 2,823 2,870 Voluntary income Short term investments 15 2,001 11,003 2,001 11,003 Activities for generating funds Cash at bank and in hand 1,167 816 1,167 816 4 8,174 - 8,174 7,675 Subsidiary's trading turnover 4,998 14,828 4,811 14,732 Other Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 (5,915) (4,480) (5,728) (4,384) Investment Income 5 82 - 82 163 Net current (liabilities)/assets (917) 10,348 (917) 10,348 Total incoming resources 29,521 246 29,767 28,161 Total assets less current liabilities 34,864 31,519 34,864 31,519 Resources Expended Resources expended on charitable activities 6a Net assets 34,864 31,519 34,864 31,519 Animals and botanical collection 15,670 60 15,730 15,051 Education and research 704 115 819 656 Funds employed Outreach 1,019 68 1,087 1,189 Income funds – restricted 17 120 117 120 117 Costs of generating funds Income funds – unrestricted Costs of generating voluntary income 177 - 177 162 Designated funds 17 34,744 31,402 34,744 31,402 Fundraising trading Other charitable funds 17 - - - - Subsidiary's cost of goods sold and other costs 4 7,079 - 7,079 6,901 34,864 31,519 34,864 31,519 Governance costs 6a 378 - 378 339 Total funds employed 17 34,864 31,519 34,864 31,519 Other resources expended Irrecoverable VAT 6a 791 - 791 738 Total resources expended 25,818 243 26,061 25,036 Net incoming resources before other recognised gains and losses 8 3,703 3 3,706 3,125 Other recognised gains and losses Actuarial Iosses offset by asset surplus 21 361 - 361 (420) Net movement in funds 3,342 3 3,345 2,705 The notes on pages 51 to 63 form part of these financial statements Reconciliation of funds 17 The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 3 July 2015 and signed on their behalf by: Total funds brought forward 31,402 117 31,519 28,814 Total funds carried forward 34,744 120 34,864 31,519 Professor Peter Wheeler Chairman of Trustees

Robert Mee Bruce Ursell Chairman of Business Operations Committee Chairman of the Audit & Risk Management Committee

The notes on pages 51 to 63 form part of these financial statements. Company number – 287902 -North of England Zoological Society The above results are all in respect of continuing operations. Subsidiaries: company numbers – 2669535 – Chester Zoo Enterprises Limited; 08374657 – Chester Zoo (Nigeria) Limited; 08904330 - Chester Zoo (Nigeria) Foundation; 9173532 -North of England Zoological Society Pension Trustee Company Limited. No Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses has been presented as all such gains and losses have been included above. 50 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 51

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2014 2013 The following accounting policies have Funds Employed members’ annual meeting, legal costs, annual audit, taxation advice, trustees’ indemnity £’000 £’000 been applied in dealing with items that are All funds employed must be expended in insurance and the cost of the preparation and considered material in relation to the financial furtherance of the objectives of the Society. Reconciliation of net cash inflow from net incoming resources publication of the Annual Report. statements of The North of England Zoological Restricted income funds must be used in Society (“the Society”). They are consistent Net incoming resources 3,706 3,125 furtherance of some specific aspect of those Education costs include the cost of direct with those adopted in the financial statements Net investment income (82) (163) objectives. teaching, and costs of producing interpretive for the prior year. and interactive models and signage relating Depreciation charge 2,882 3,214 Designated funds are those which have been the animal and botanic collection, as well as set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted (Increase) in stocks (23) (35) Basis of Preparation supporting the publication of International Zoo funds for identifiable future expenditure, but News magazine. Decrease/(Increase) in debtors 1,202 (608) The financial statements have been prepared the designation has an administrative purpose on a going concern basis under the historical Increase in creditors due within one year 1,435 1,545 only and does not legally restrict the Trustees’ Outreach costs include the making of grants cost convention and in accordance with discretion to apply the funds. and donations to research and conservation Difference between pension charge and cash contributions (361) (420) applicable accounting standards in the United projects, the administration of such grant Kingdom, the Charity Commission’s Statement Net cash inflow from incoming resources 8,759 6,658 Incoming Resources making and also the ongoing monitoring of the of Recommended Practice ‘SORP 2005’, The outcomes of projects. Returns on investment and servicing of finance Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act In accordance with the SORP, all incoming resources, including Gift Aid, becoming Costs of generating voluntary income Interest received 82 163 2006. receivable by the Society during the year are comprise costs of the fund raising department, Capital expenditure and financial investment The group’s activities, together with the recognised in the SOFA, regardless of their including administrative salaries and wages, factors likely to affect its future development, Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (17,492) (7,724) source or of the purpose to which they are costs of appeal mail shots, inserts and e-mails, performance and position are set out in the to be put or have been put. All income, both and collection of authority to collect Gift Aid Operating cashflow in year (8,651) (903) Trustees’ report. The financial position of the Unrestricted and Restricted, is recognised on Zoo admission fees and donations, and Management of liquid resources group, its cash flows and liquidity position at the time of receipt. The exception to this administration costs related to the animal are shown in these financial statements. The adoption scheme. Decrease/(Increase) in short term investments 9,002 (835) is where income (and the associated Gift Trustees report also notes the principal risks Aid) relates to a service to be provided in and uncertainties that impact on the group. Increase/(Decrease) in net cash at bank and in hand in the year 351 (1,738) the following financial year. Such income is VAT The group has considerable financial deferred and released over the period the Visitor admission income is treated as VAT resources. As a consequence the Trustees service is provided. exempt and accordingly, as a partially exempt believe that the group is well placed to Where income is restricted to a specific body, the Society may not recover all VAT manage its risks successfully despite the purpose, as specified by a donor, the income incurred on costs, with the exception of VAT current uncertain economic outlook. is included in restricted funds, legacies are incurred in connection with the catering, retail, After making enquiries, the Trustees have recognised when payment is received or and seasonal event operations, which operate a reasonable expectation that the Society assets transferred. Grants are recognised through the trading subsidiary. The cost of and the group have adequate resources when there is entitlement, conditions have irrecoverable VAT is disclosed separately on to continue in operational existence for the been met, and there is certainty of receipt. the SOFA under other resources expended. foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue Any irrecoverable VAT relating to the purchase to adopt the going concern basis in preparing Resources Expended of fixed assets is capitalised as part of the Analysis of changes in net funds during the year the annual report and accounts. asset value. Balance at Balance at The Society’s systems analyse expenses departmentally. Expenditure is recognised 1 Jan 2014 Cash flow 31 Dec 2014 Consolidation Taxation £’000 £’000 £’000 when a liability is incurred, and is allocated The consolidated statement of financial in accordance with the main activity of the The Society is considered to pass the tests set Cash activities (SOFA), consolidated balance staff concerned or the substance of the costs out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act Cash at Bank and in hand 816 351 1,167 sheet and consolidated cash flow statement incurred, including expenditure on charitable 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of Movement in liquid resources 11,003 (9,002) 2,001 include the financial statements of the activities and on generating funds, and a charitable company for UK corporation tax Net cash 11,819 (8,651) 3,168 Society and its subsidiary undertakings, departments providing support services. purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income Chester Zoo Enterprises Limited, Chester Support costs such as management and or capital gains received within categories Zoo Nigeria Limited, Chester Zoo Foundation administration, information technology covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 Corporation Tax Nigeria and the North of England Zoological and property maintenance are incurred in Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Society Pension Trustee Company Limited support of activities undertaken to meet the Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that The notes on pages 51 to 63 form part of these financial statements. made up to 31 December 2014 and comply objects of the Society. In accordance with such income or gains are applied exclusively with recommended practice for accounting the SORP support costs have been allocated to charitable purposes. by charities. The results of the subsidiaries to charitable activities and fundraising, are consolidated on a line by line basis. apportioned by usage according to relative The charity has adapted the Companies cost driving activities. Investments in Subsidiary Undertakings Act formats to reflect the special nature of These are included at cost less any provision the charity’s activities. No separate SOFA Governance costs disclosed consist of an for impairment. has been presented for the charity alone as allocation of the Director General’s costs plus permitted by Section 408 of the Companies the cost of fulfilling obligations to the members Act 2006 and paragraph 397 of the SORP. and the Society’s statutory obligations. These costs typically include the costs of staging the 52 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 53

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

Fixed Assets All other leases are operating leases and personnel; capacity building; benefits to local 1. Status the rental charges are taken to the SOFA as communities; relevance to other conservation These are included in the balance sheet at The Society is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. Members have guaranteed the liabilities of the Society to the extent of £1 incurred. initiatives of the Zoo and regions or countries historic purchase cost less accumulated each in the event of the charity being wound up. where the Zoo already has a field conservation depreciation. All assets are depreciated on a Stocks focus; links to species within the collection straight line basis. Stocks are valued at the lower of cost plan; opportunities for technical support from Assets in the course of construction are stated and estimated net realisable value. Where Zoo staff. 2. Incoming Resources from Charitable Activities at cost, less any recognised impairment loss. Unrestricted Funds necessary, provision is made for obsolete, Primarily support is provided to those projects Depreciation of these assets commences slow moving and defective stocks. which are judged to have potential to make Visitor Other Other Total Total when the assets are ready for their intended a significant positive conservation impact. related unrestricted designated 2014 2013 use. Pensions Applications are requested to be made on our £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 standard grant application forms and these Freehold Properties The Society operates two voluntary pension Animals and botanical collection schemes. are formally reviewed by at least two qualified Depreciation is provided on freehold properties people, usually Society employees before a Visitor admission to zoo and gardens 14,212 - - 14,212 13,769 excluding land at 2% or 10% per annum. The Society makes contributions to a defined funding decision is made. Monorail and boats 501 - - 501 486 Freehold land is not depreciated. contribution pension scheme for certain staff Membership of zoo and Gift Aid thereon 3,275 - - 3,275 2,751 members. The cost of these contributions is Related Party Transactions Buildings and Enclosures charged to the SOFA when payable. Other 700 - - 700 447 The Society has taken advantage of the Depreciation is provided at rates varying The cost of benefits accruing during the year exemptions available under the Financial Total incoming resources from charitable activities 18,688 - - 18,688 17,453 between 4% and 25% per annum, estimated of the defined benefit scheme in respect of Reporting Standard 8 (Related Party to write off each asset over the term of past service is included within staff costs. The Transactions) not to disclose details of its useful life. The rates and method of net aggregate value of the investment return transactions with entities that are part of The on the scheme’s assets and the increase in depreciation are consistent with those used in North of England Zoological Society group. 3. Voluntary Income previous years. the present value of the scheme’s liabilities, Unrestricted Restricted Total Total arising from the passage of time, are included 2014 2014 2014 2013 Machinery and Equipment in the SOFA in either other incoming resources £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 or in other resources expended. Actuarial Donations and Gift Aid on admission to zoo 2,035 - 2,035 2,150 Depreciation is provided at rates varying gains and losses are recognised in the net between 10% and 25% per annum, movement in funds in the SOFA. Animal adoptions 240 - 240 205 depending on the assumed useful life of the Grants and Other Donations 302 246 548 515 asset. The balance sheet includes the surplus or deficit in the defined benefit scheme taking Total voluntary income 2,577 246 2,823 2,870 assets at their year-end market values and Animals liabilities at their actuarially calculated values No annual assessment is made of the value of discounted at the current rate of return on a The restricted income funds derive from certain donations, grants and legacies received and are put towards a variety of capital projects, equipment the animal collection. It is valued consistently high quality corporate bond of equivalent term or outreach activities. at a nominal sum and not depreciated. and currency to the liability. To the extent that Purchases and sales during the year are the scheme is in surplus, the Society does not treated as revenue transactions. recognise any of the surplus as the Society is unable to recover any surplus either through Impairment reduced contributions in the future or through The carrying amounts of assets are refunds from the scheme. reassessed when impairment indicators are present. An impairment loss is recognised to Grant-making the extent the carrying amount of an asset Liabilities relating to grants are recognised exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. once the Society is irrevocably committed to the provision of the grant. Leases Grant-making Policy Where the Society enters into a lease which entails taking substantially all the risks and The Society supports a wide range of rewards of ownership of an asset, the lease conservation and research activities both in is treated as a finance lease. The asset is the Zoo and externally, often in partnership recorded in the balance sheet as a fixed with other organisations. This support may asset and is depreciated over its estimated be ongoing as with our major conservation useful life. Future instalments under such programmes in partnership with Ecosystems- leases, net of finance charges, are included India in Assam or the Mauritian Wildlife within creditors. Rentals payable are Foundation in the Mascarenes. One-off apportioned between the finance element annual grants including scholarships are also which is charged to the SOFA as interest, awarded. and the capital element, which reduces the Criteria for our funding support for projects outstanding obligation for future instalments. include feasibility; qualification of project 54 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 55

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (CONTINUED)

4. Activities for Generating Funds – Trading by Subsidiary Company 6a. Analysis of Resources Expended Staff Other Support Total Total The Society has a wholly owned trading subsidiary, Chester Zoo Enterprises Limited, incorporated in the UK (representing an investment of £100 in Costs Direct Costs Costs 2014 2013 ordinary £1 shares) which operates the catering and retail activities of the Zoo from outlets rented from the Society, and certain seasonal events. It £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 transfers its taxable profit via Gift Aid to the Society; a summary of its trading results is shown below. Audited financial statements for the year ended Resources expended on charitable activities 31 December 2014 will be filed with the Registrar of Companies. Animals and botanical collection 5,144 7,258 3,328 15,730 15,051 Education and research 527 120 172 819 656 Outreach 267 763 57 1,087 1,189 Total Total Total for Society 5,938 8,141 3,557 17,636 16,896 2014 2013 Chester Zoo Enterprises Limited trading results £’000 £’000 Costs of generating funds Incoming resources Costs of generating voluntary income - - 177 177 162 Total for Society - - 177 177 162 Turnover 8,174 7,675 Subsidiary's cost of goods sold and other costs 2,500 3,300 1,279 7,079 6,901 Resources expended Total for group 2,500 3,300 1,279 7,256 7,063 Labour and cost of goods sold (5,800) (5,760) Governance costs 251 127 - 378 339 Gross trading surplus for year 2,374 1,915 Other resources expended Indirect costs Irrecoverable VAT - 791 - 791 738 Operating and support costs paid to Society (1,279) (1,141) Total resources expended for Society 6,189 9,059 3,734 18,982 18,135 Property rents paid to Society (562) (562) Operating Profit 533 212 Total resources expended for group 8,689 12,359 5,013 26,061 25,036 Taxation - - Profit for the financial year 533 212 Gift Aid donation to parent company (533) (212) Surplus/(deficit) retained in subsidiary - - Resources expended on the charitable activity of animals and botanical collection include costs associated with marketing, administration of Society membership, and provision of guest services and amenities of £4,092,000 (2013: £3,809,000). Turnover of £8,174,000 (2013: £7,675,000) is included in the consolidated statement of financial activities within Activities for generating funds - Subsidiary’s trading turnover. Direct and indirect costs of £7,079,000 (2013: £6,901,000) are included within Fundraising trading - Subsidiary’s cost of goods sold and other costs. 6b. Analysis of Support Costs Total Total The society has restated 2013 figures in relation to the presentation of the Gift Aid payment in line with recent guidance. As the trustees now consider 2014 2013 the Gift Aid payment to be akin to a distribution rather than an expense, it is now presented outside of the profit and loss account as an adjustment £’000 £’000 to profit taken to retained earnings. Direct Staff Costs 2,252 2,343 Other Costs 2,761 2,265 Total of support costs 5,013 4,608 5. Investment Income Total Total 2014 2013 £’000 £’000 Income from short term investments 82 163 Total investment income 82 163 56 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 57

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (CONTINUED)

7. Grants Payable in Furtherance of the Charity’s Objects 10. Employee Costs Total Total 2014 2013 The Society makes institutional grants payable in furtherance of the charity’s objects, to support field and zoo conservation and research. The grants £’000 £’000 have been included in the other direct costs analysis of total resources expended. Wages and salaries cost 9,359 8,846 Grants to Grants to Total Total institutions individuals 2014 2013 Social security cost 763 713 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Pension cost: Analysis Defined Benefit pension scheme - - Field Conservation 589 - 589 637 Defined Contribution pension scheme 779 716 Field Education 44 - 44 45 Total employee costs 10,901 10,275 Studentships - 8 8 7 Other 43 - 43 85 The number of employees, including those employed for only part of the year, whose emoluments for the year (excluding pension contributions) fell Total grants payable 676 8 684 774 within each band of £10,000 from £60,000 upwards is shown below. All of these employees had benefits accruing to them under both the Society’s defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes. Contributions to the defined contribution scheme for these employees totalled £58,000 (2013: £53,000).

8. Net Incoming Resources before other Recognised Gains and Losses Total Total 2014 2013 2014 2013 This is after charging: £’000 £’000 Number Number Services provided by the Society's auditor From £100,001 to £110,000 2 1 Fees payable for the audit of the charity and consolidated accounts 18 15 From £90,001 to £100,000 - - Fees payable for the audit of the subsidiary 3 6 From £80,001 to £90,000 1 1 Fees payable for taxation advice for the charity 0 10 From £70,001 to £80,000 2 1 Fees payable for taxation advice for the subsidiary 3 1 From £60,001 to £70,000 - 1 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 2,882 3,214

The average number of persons (full time equivalents (FTE)) employed by the Society during the year was as follows: 2014 2013 9. Trustees’ Remuneration Number Number The Trustees, being charity Trustees, received no remuneration (2013: £nil). Trustees were reimbursed during the year for travelling expenses Animals and botanical collection 194 178 necessarily incurred. Insurance costing £4,000 (2013: £4,000) has been taken out by the Society to protect the Society, its Trustees and other Officers against the consequences of any neglect or default on their part. Education and Research 16 16 Outreach 9 7 Fundraising Society 4 4 Subsidiary trading 135 121 Support and Governance 70 72 Total FTE employees 428 398 58 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 59

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (CONTINUED)

Group Society 11. Tangible Fixed Assets Assets in Buildings Machinery 13. Stocks course of Freehold and and 2014 2013 2014 2013 construction Property enclosures equipment Animals Total £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Goods for resale 426 338 - - Cost Consumables 50 115 50 115 At 1 January 2014 11,468 3,791 27,879 1,214 1 44,353 Total 476 453 50 115 Additions 16,988 - 291 213 - 17,492 Disposals and Transfers (2,356) - 27 - - (2,329) At 31 December 2014 26,100 3,791 28,197 1,427 1 59,516 Depreciation At 1 January 2014 2,329 2,777 17,268 808 - 23,182 14. Debtors: Amounts Falling due within One Year Group Society Charge for the year - - 2,713 169 - 2,882 2014 2013 2014 2013 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Disposals (2,329) - - - - (2,329) Trade debtors 199 168 181 152 At 31 December 2014 - 2,777 19,981 977 - 23,735 Amount owed by subsidiary undertaking - - 257 258 Net book value Other debtors 18 1,256 18 1,256 At 31 December 2014 26,100 1,014 8,216 450 1 35,781 VAT recoverable 708 789 708 789 At 31 December 2013 9,139 1,014 10,611 406 1 21,171 Prepayments and accrued income 429 343 429 343 Total 1,354 2,556 1,593 2,798 A depreciation charge of £2,329,000 brought forward on assets in the course of construction that related to an impairment charge for the year ended 31 December 2010 has been included in disposals, as the assets will no longer be brought into a position where they will have economic use. The Trustees consider that the Society holds no fixed assets for investment purposes. Whilst some of the fixed assets do yield a rental income, they Amounts owed by the subsidiary are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. were not acquired for that purpose, but to facilitate the operation of the zoo, which is the primary charitable purpose of the Society. The Trustees consider that it is not meaningful to consider the market value of most of the Society’s land and buildings. Such assets are necessary to the operation of the Zoo, which is the primary charitable purpose of the Society. Where an assessment can be made, the Trustees consider that the market value exceeds the book value. 15. Short Term Investments Group Society All the tangible fixed assets included in the consolidated statement above relate entirely to the Society. 2014 2013 2014 2013 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 The Society considers that none of its assets meet the definition of heritage assets under FRS 30. Although certain assets may have a heritage quality, these are all used for operational purposes in the running of the Zoo and are therefore classified as operating assets. Cash Deposits 2,001 11,003 2,001 11,003

12. Investments 2014 2013 £ £ Investment in Chester Zoo Enterprises Limited 100 100 Group Society Investment in Chester Zoo (Nigeria) Limited 1 1 16. Creditors: Amounts Falling due within One Year 2014 2013 2014 2013 North of England Zoological Society Pension Trustee Company Limited 1 - £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Trade creditors 2,697 2,153 2,510 2,057 The principal undertakings in which the Group’s interest at the year end is more than 20% are as follows: Other taxes and social security costs 238 199 238 199 Accruals 1,122 727 1,122 727 Country of incorporation Principal activity Class and percentage of shares held Other creditors 501 308 501 308 Group Company Deferred income 1,357 1,093 1,357 1,093 Subsidiary undertakings Total 5,915 4,480 5,728 4,384 Chester Zoo Enterprises Limited UK Catering and Retail 99% ordinary 99% ordinary Chester Zoo (Nigeria) Limited UK Protecting the biodiversity of Nigeria 100% ordinary 100% ordinary Protecting the biodiversity Chester Zoo Foundation Nigeria UK of Nigeria wholly owned by 100% ordinary - Chester Zoo (Nigeria) Limited 60 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 61

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (CONTINUED)

17. Movement in Consolidated Funds 19. Contingent Liabilities (continued)

Balance at Balance at in June 2015 finding in favour of the Society. Within the financial statements The Society presents the amount that the Trustees currently assess to 31 Dec New funds Funds utilised Transfers 31 Dec be the recoverable amount of VAT previously paid to HMRC in respect of this matter. The result of the Tribunal now indicates that the Society will be 2013 2014 2014 2014 2014 entitled to recover an amount greater than this, however this will only be recognised when the period in which HMRC can appeal is closed and the £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 amount and recovery is more certain. Further, should HMRC appeal and be successful a potential liability could arise. The Trustees do not consider a reliable estimate of this potential liability can be made. Restricted income funds Animal collection 46 48 (60) - 34 Education 17 114 (115) - 16 20. Related Party Transactions The Society has taken advantage of the exemptions available under the Financial Reporting Standard Number 8 (Related Party Transactions) not to Outreach 53 84 (68) - 69 disclose details of any transactions with entities that are part of The North of England Zoological Society Group. Events and Promotions 1 - - - 1 117 246 (243) - 120 21. Pensions Designated funds The Society operates two pension schemes; a defined benefit scheme and a defined contribution scheme. The defined benefit scheme holds assets in a Reserves tied to tangible fixed assets 20,323 - - - 20,323 separately administered fund which closed to future accrual in March 2012. In line with FRS 17, a surplus can only be recognised in the balance sheet to Animal collection 150 - (150) 743 743 the extent that the Society can gain economic benefit from it. As the scheme is closed to future accrual, a surplus can only be recognised to the extent of Education 18 - (18) 18 18 an agreed refund, so there is not any recognition of surplus at the year end. Outreach 615 - (615) 642 642 A full actuarial valuation was carried out at 31 December 2011 and updated to 31 December 2014 for the purpose of these disclosures by Mercer, a qualified independent actuary. Other capital projects 350 - (350) 468 468 Islands Project 9,946 - (9,946) 12,550 12,550 2014 2013 31,402 - (11,079) 14,421 34,744 £’000 £’000 Other charitable funds - 29,521 (15,100) (14,421) - Present value of funded defined benefit obligations 17,857 15,489 Total group funds employed 31,519 29,767 (26,422) - 34,864 Fair value of plan assets 21,217 20,018

Surplus 3,360 4,529 The restricted income funds derive from the Animal Adoption Scheme and certain donations, grants and legacies received. Animal adoption income Effect of non-recognition of surplus as required by FRS17 (3,360) (4,529) is all utilised to purchase animal foods, and the remaining restricted funds are put towards a variety of capital projects, equipment or outreach activities. Net pension surplus - - The designated funds relate principally to the Society’s capital expenditure programme for the coming year, and to outreach programmes which the Society wishes to support over the next three to five years. The major assumptions made by the actuary for the defined benefit scheme were as follows: Movement in Society Funds All the restricted funds and designated funds included in the consolidated statement above relate entirely to the Society. The equivalent figures for Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at: 2014 2013 other charitable funds and total funds employed for the Society alone are: Discount rate 3.70% 4.70% Rate of price Inflation (RPI) 3.10% 3.40% Balance at New funds Funds utilised Transfers Balance at Rate of increase of pensions in payment (5% LPI) 3.10% 3.40% 31 Dec 2013 2014 2014 2014 31 Dec 2014 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Rate of increase of pensions in payment (2.5% LPI) 2.20% 2.20% Other charitable funds - 29,521 (15,100) (14,421) - Weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension cost: 2014 2013 Total Society funds employed 31,519 29,767 (26,422) - (34,864) Discount rate 4.70% 4.50% Expected long term rate of return on scheme assets 5.55% 4.90% Rate of salary increase N/A N/A Group Society 18. Financial Commitments Rate of price Inflation (RPI) 3.40% 3.00% 2014 2013 2014 2013 Rate of increase of pensions in payment (5% LPI) 3.40% 3.00% £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Rate of increase of pensions in payment (2.5% LPI) 2.20% 2.10% Capital expenditure, contracted for but not provided in the financial statements: 12,550 11,798 12,550 11,798

Assumed life expectations on retirement at age 65: 2014 2013 19. Contingent Liabilities Retiring today (member age 65) 22.9 22.8 Retiring in 20 years (member age 45 today) 25.0 25.0 The Society has been involved in a challenge with HMRC in relation to the amount of VAT that can be recovered in respect of the costs of running Chester Zoo and in particular those costs that relate to its animals. A Tribunal heard the case in November 2014 the results of which were published 62 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 63

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (CONTINUED)

21. Pensions (continued) 2014 2013 £’000 £’000 Expected return on plan assets To develop the expected long term return on assets assumption, the Society considered the current level of expected returns on risk free investments Components of pension costs (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the Current service cost - - expectation for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each class was then weighted based on the actual asset allocation to develop Interest cost 716 660 the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the portfolio. This resulted in the selection of the 5.55% assumption for the year ended Expected return on scheme assets (716) (660) 31 December 2014. Given that the Society will be required to adopt FRS 101 or FRS 102 for the year ending 31 December 2015, the assumption as at 31 December 2014 will not determine the interest on plan assets figure under FRS101 or FRS102, and the discount rate at 31 December 2014 will be Total net expenses - - used (3.7%p.a.). Actual return on scheme assets 1,344 2,438 The percentage of scheme assets in the scheme and the expected rates of return analysed by asset allocation in 2014 have therefore not been included. Actuarial gains immediately recognised in the SOFA (1,530) (1,499) The figures for 2013 were: Effect of asset limit 1,169 1,919 Total pension cost recognised in the SOFA 361 420 Expected return on Percentage Cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognised 3,872 2,342 assets at of plan assets at 31 Dec 2013 31 Dec 2013 % % Equity securities 6.10 50.5 Debt securities 4.70 39.8 Property 6.10 9.6 Other 0.50 0.1 Five year history Financial year ending in: Weighted Average/Total 5.55 100.0 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Defined benefit obligation at end of year 17,857 15,489 14,868 16,435 14,387 Fair value of plan assets at end of year 21,217 20,018 17,478 15,787 15,686 2014 2013 £’000 £’000 Surplus/(Deficit) 3,360 4,529 2,610 (648) 1,299 Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year 15,489 14,868 Difference between the expected and actual return on scheme assets Current service cost - - Amount (£’000s) (628) (2,017) (1,252) 1,117 (430) Interest cost 716 660 Percentage of scheme assets 3% 10.0% 7.0% 7.0% 2.7% Members’ contributions - - Actuarial loss 2,158 518 Experience (gain)/loss on scheme liabilities Benefit and expenses paid (506) (557) Amount (£’000s) - - 46 52 - Plan curtailments - - Percentage of scheme liabilities 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Benefit obligation at end of year 17,857 15,489 Total amount recognised in statement of total recognised gain and losses 2014 2013 Amount (£’000s) (361) (420) (1,520) (2,148) (168) £’000 £’000 Percentage of scheme liabilities 2.0% 2.7% 10.2% 13.1% 1.2% Change in scheme assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 20,018 17,478 Expected return on scheme assets 716 660 Actuarial gains on scheme assets 628 2,017 The Society has committed to making annual solvency deficit contributions up to 2022 and has granted a first legal charge to the Trustees of Employer contributions (incl. employer direct benefit payments) 361 420 the Scheme over certain assets of the Society. However, the Scheme remains in surplus on a technical provisions basis. Members contributions - - Benefits and expenses paid (506) (557) Contributions Fair value of scheme assets at end of year 21,217 20,018 Contributions to the defined contribution scheme totalled £451,000 (2013: £406,000). 64 2014 Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 65

Looking Ahead to 2015 OPENING ISLANDS NOTES

Islands Breeding Success and New Species Zoo Expedition to Assam 2015 is going to be such a historic year We look forward to the breeding successes Our Managing Director Jamie Christon for Chester Zoo. Come the summer, all of that 2015 will certainly bring, some large, will be leading the 2015 zoo expedition the hard work to get the Islands project some small, but all important. Many of these to Assam early in the year. The group, completed with the animals and plants births will be expected and often predicted including a number of staff chosen at settled into their new homes will have finally with great accuracy by the Science Team, random to take part in this expedition, will become a reality. This will be a great cause however each year also usually brings some visit our Assam Haathi project. The group for celebration for everyone involved. For very nice surprises. will see how our work helps the local people to live alongside elephants by mitigating many other of the zoo’s staff the hard work Almost all of the new species for Islands against the negative impacts that elephants will have only just begun as we welcome are already part of the collection either and people living in the same area can have. visitors to come and explore and discover all on or off show. The main exception is the The group will hold a number of workshops the sights, sounds and tastes of Islands. Sunda gharial a large threatened species with the local communities to build of crocodile from South East Asia that capacity on topics as diverse as marketing Strategic Development Plan specialises on eating large fish. Seeing their produce, agricultural practices and this awesome reptile in the beautiful No sooner than Islands has opened and beekeeping. we will begin developing the third phase environment of the Monsoon Forest will of our Strategic Development Plan (the become one of the iconic images of Islands. Diamond Jubilee Quarter was the first, Not quite so exciting but still very important with Islands being the second phase). is the work we will be doing on some large During the second half of 2015 the senior maintenance projects during the year management team and the Trustees will get including fitting new nets to the Tsavo Aviary together to plan out the future development the enormous Wetland Aviary and putting a Above: Sunda gharial at La Ferme aux of Chester Zoo. new roof on the Tsavo Black rhino building. Crocodiles in France ©Michel Gunther. 2 201466 Zoo2014 Review Zoo Review Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society 67

Our Vision NOTESA DIVERSE, THRIVING AND APPENDICES ON CD SUSTAINABLE NATURAL WORLD. 1. Chester Zoo Annual Report Species Holdings, Roles and IUCN Red List Status 2. Chester Zoo Organisational Structure 9. Mammals Our Mission 3. Chester Zoo Staff on External Boards 10. Birds 4. Brief Biographies of the Director Team 11. Reptiles 5. Brief Biographies of the Trustees 12. Amphibians TO BE A MAJOR FORCE IN CONSERVING 6. Discovery and Learning Members’ Talks 13. Fishes 7. Zoo Research and Scientific Publications 14. Invertebrates BIODIVERSITY WORLDWIDE. 8. Worldwide Conservation Activities 15. Plants 16. Summary of Conservation Status of the Collection 17. About the Chester Zoo Collection Plan 18. Summary of All Roles Chairman’s Statement BUILDING ON OUR SUCCESS

Following the completion of the roof of a dramatised version of the founding of formally approved and Malcolm Ardron, the Monsoon Forest last October, the Chester Zoo. Angela Pinnington and Simon Venables were sheer scale of the Islands development formally elected as Trustees of the Society. Membership of the Society also continued has become even more apparent. This Before the statutory items of business, there to rise, reaching a record level of 57,835 in remarkable building, together with the was a review of the events of 2014, and a 2014. This represents an increase of almost extensive outdoor elements of the scheme, question and answer session with the zoo 8,000 on the previous year, and 15,000 will soon be providing members and other Directors present. since 2012. visitors with an immersive wildlife experience Early in 2014 the Trustees formally endorsed unlike anything that has been seen before in The success of Chester Zoo has been the second five year Strategic Plan for the recognised by a number of awards this this country. Society for the period 2013-18. Work will year. TripAdvisorTM awarded the zoo a soon commence on developing an even The main contractors, Laing O’Rourke and 2014 Certificate of Excellence, signifying longer-term strategy, both in terms of the Read Construction, are completing their that it has consistently earned outstanding masterplan for the zoo itself, and the role of work on the project, while other specialists feedback from their travellers. Significantly, the organisation in worldwide conservation. are finalising the detailed planting and the zoo won the 2014 TripAdvisorTM theming that will bring Islands to life. The Travellers' Choice Attraction Award: Best last few months of the project will include rated zoo in the UK. It also came second an acclimatisation and testing phase, during in Europe and sixth in the world in these which animals will transfer to their new awards for zoos and aquariums. Chester accommodation, allowing them to adjust Zoo was voted the UK’s Best Animal or to their surroundings before the opening in Sea Life Attraction at the Group Travel Professor Peter Wheeler, Chairman, July. Awards in London in June 2014, and the North of England Zoological Society Following its construction last year, the Tourism Experience or Event of the Year for Nature Reserve was officially opened by our Lantern Magic event at the Marketing the well-known natural history writer and Cheshire Annual Awards 2014. We were broadcaster, and NEZS Trustee, Professor also awarded the Silver Medal for our Stefan Buczacki on 13th May 2014. This Summer Garden ‘The threatened islands of milestone event marked the first phase of a South East Asia’ at the RHS Flower Show at development that we hope will grow within Tatton Park in July 2014. the land holding of the zoo, both in area and The German conservationist Roland maturity, over future years. Wirth, who has been involved with the zoo since the late 1980’s, was the 2014 2014 was the busiest ever for the zoo with recipient of the NEZS Gold Medal for his total visitors numbering 1,432,867. The outstanding lifetime achievements in species record-breaking numbers in September, conservation. October, November and December were helped not only by the fine autumn weather The 80th NEZS AGM that took place in and successful events such as Lantern the Lecture Theatre on 24th June 2014 Magic, but also the publicity arising from was again a well attended event. The 2013 We would like to thank all the kind people who gave us the popular BBC television series Our Zoo, Annual Report and Statutory Accounts were permission to use their photographs for this report. Annual Report of the North of England Zoological Society for the year December ended 31st 2014 2014 ZOO REVIEW 2014

2014 CHESTER ZOO REVIEW – ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NORTH OF ENGLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY Caughall Road Upton by Chester Chester CH2 1LH Tel: 01244 380280 Tel: Fax: 01244 371273 Email: [email protected] www.chesterzoo.org Registered Charity Number 306077 Registered North of England Zoological Society Registered Company Number 287902 Registered Alaotran gentle lemur with her young born Zoo in 2014. at Chester assist anyone with special needs obtain a copyin theSociety. Zoological England appropriateof North the by 2015 July Published format. Chester Zoo is licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act, 1981. In the interests of conservation and educational study, this report may be freely copied without may be freely this report of conservation and educational study, Chester Zoo is licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act, 1981. In the interests alteration or amendment and stored by electronic means without formal permission. It is also available to download from our website. The our website. means without formal permission. It is also available to download from by electronic alteration or amendment and stored NEZS is happy to