Leading � rec�very Annual Report 2019–2020 TARONGA ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 A SHARED FUTURE � WILDLIFE AND PE�PLE At Taronga we believe that together we can find a better and more sustainable way for wildlife and people to share this planet. Taronga recognises that the planet’s biodiversity and ecosystems are the life support systems for our own species' health and prosperity. At no time in history has this been more evident, with drought, bushfires, climate change, global pandemics, habitat destruction, ocean acidification and many other crises threatening natural systems and our own future. Whilst we cannot tackle these challenges alone, Taronga is acting now and working to save species, sustain robust ecosystems, provide experiences and create learning opportunities so that we act together. We believe that all of us have a responsibility to protect the world’s precious wildlife, not just for us in our lifetimes, but for generations into the future. Our Zoos create experiences that delight and inspire lasting connections between people and wildlife. We aim to create conservation advocates that value wildlife, speak up for nature and take action to help create a future where both people and wildlife thrive. Our conservation breeding programs for threatened and priority wildlife help a myriad of species, with our program for 11 Legacy Species representing an increased commitment to six Australian and five Sumatran species at risk of extinction. The Koala was added as an 11th Legacy Species in 2019, to reflect increasing threats to its survival. In the last 12 months alone, Taronga partnered with 28 organisations working on the front line of conservation across 17 countries. Taronga is a not for profit organisation, we are for the wild. The revenue earned through our Zoos, accommodation, events and donations through the Taronga Foundation, goes directly back into the support, care and conservation of wildlife. REGENT HONEYEATER CHICK IN TARONGA WESTERN PLAINS ZOO BREEDING FACILITY — RICK STEVENS 2 3 TARONGA ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 Overview Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga) operates C�NTENTS Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Taronga is a leader in the fields of conservation, research and environmental education. Our Strategic Direction 06 Taronga is constituted under the Zoological Parks Board Act 1973 Our Organisation 08 as a statutory authority owned by the people of New South Wales (NSW) and administered by the Minister for Energy and Environment. Our Board 10 Amended legislation in 1992 defined Taronga’s responsibilities in Chairman’s Report 14 education, conservation, research and recreation (see Appendix 1). Chief Executive Report 16 A minor amendment to the Act was undertaken in 2008 to formally Strategic Plan 2016-2020 Highlights 18 recognise Taronga Conservation Society Australia as the official name, to better describe the work of the organisation. Conservation Science in Australia 22 Our Global Reach 24 A letter to the Minister Ecological Emergency 26 The Hon. Matt Kean MP Conservation Outcomes 28 Minister for Energy and Environment Wildlife in Our Care 34 Parliament House 6 Macquarie St Excellence in Conservation Education 42 Sydney NSW 2000 Transformational Guest Experiences 48 Dear Minister, Engage and Influence 54 It is with great pleasure that we present the 47th Annual Report People and Organisational Strength 60 of the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, which includes the Financial and Environmental Sustainability 68 statement of accounts, for your presentation to the NSW Parliament. Centenary Capital Plan 78 This report covers in full the Taronga Conservation Society Australia’s activities for the year ended 30 June 2020 in accordance with Sections Statutory Financial Statements 84 20 and 37 of the Zoological Parks Board Act 1973 (NSW) (as amended) Appendices 132 and the Annual Report Statutory Bodies Act 1984 (NSW) (as amended). Yours sincerely Steve Crane Cameron Kerr Chairman Chief Executive Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088 PO Box 20, Mosman NSW 2088 Tel: 02 9969 2777 | Fax: 02 9969 7515 Open 9.30am – 5.00pm (Sep – Apr) Open 9.30am – 4.30pm (May – Aug) taronga.org.au Obley Rd, Dubbo NSW 2830 PO Box 831 Dubbo NSW 2830 Tel: 02 6881 1400 Fax: 02 6884 1722 Open: 9.00am – 4.00pm Open 8.30am – 5.00pm (during school holidays) GREATER BILBY WITH TRACKER RELEASED INTO THE BILBY SANCTUARY TARONGA AT WESTERN PLAINS ZOO — RICK STEVENS taronga.org.au/dubbo 4 5 TARONGA ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 OUR STRATEGIC �IRECTION Our vision is to secure a shared future for wildlife and people. Our strategic plan defines our unique role, and the way we contribute to wildlife conservation, science and learning. OUR VISION Securing a shared future for wildlife and people OUR ROLE As leaders in conservation, we protect wildlife and empower people to secure a sustainable future for our planet Conservation Engage and Outcomes Influence Wildlife in STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS Excellence in Our Care Conservation Education Transformational Guest Experiences People and KEY ENABLERS Centenary Organisational Capital Plan Strength Financial and Environmental Sustainability Symbol Platypus Symbol Giraffe (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) (Giraffa camelopardalis) Opened October 1916 Opened February 1977 Site 28 hectares Site 758.3 hectares Animals Number of animals: 4,597 Animals Number of animals: 748 Species/sub-species: 304 Species/sub-species: 64 LOGGERHEAD TURTLE RELEASED THE TO WILD AFTER REHABILITATION TARONGA AT WILDLIFE HOSPITAL — JAMES WOODFORD 6 7 TARONGA ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 Minister for Energy and Environment OUR �RGANISATION The Hon. Matt Kean MP BBus, GradDipCA MP Taronga Conservation Society Australia Board Chairman Mr Steve Crane BCom, FAICD, SF, Fin Chief Executive Mr Cameron Kerr BSc (Hons), MCom, GAICD Executive Team Ms Bettina Sammut • Human Resources and Payroll Ms Narelle Beattie • Finance BA, Cert (PR), Grad • Work Health and Safety BCom, MA, CA • Procurement Cert (HRM), Grad. Cert • Volunteer Programs • Governance Director, Change Mgt AGSM • Organisation Development • Information and Corporate Services and Learning Digital Technology Director, and Governance • Capital Project Management People, Culture • Diversity and Inclusion and Safety Mr Simon Duffy AM • Environmental Sustainability Mr Steve Hinks • Commercial Operations BTeach, BEd, GAICD • Wildlife Operations: DipMgmt, DipBus, • Guest Operations and – Animal Presentation Precinct MMgmt Guest Experience Director, – Australian Fauna Precinct • TWPZ Accommodation Taronga Zoo Director, – Exotic Fauna Precinct • Facilities and Asset Taronga Western – Horticulture and Browse Operations – Exhibit Projects Plains Zoo • Wildlife Operations • Facilities and Asset Operations and Animal Nutrition • Maintenance, Works and Trades • Marketing and • Education Communications – University Programs – School Education – Taronga Training Institute – Cultural and Community Programs Mr Paul Maguire PSM • Guest Experience Programs BEd (PE and Sci) • Guest Experience Operations Ms Libby Hodgson • Marketing, Communications, • Community Conservation Director, Guest BA (Hons) Design and Digital • Interpretation Experience and • Events • Security and Cleaning Director, Community • Retail • Sky Safari Marketing, Commercial Conservation • Accommodation and Fundraising • Catering • Tourism Mr Nick Boyle • Conservation Science • Fundraising and Memberships BSc (Comms), LLB • Population and Welfare • Corporate Partnerships • Taronga Wildlife Hospitals Director, • Nutrition Welfare, Conservation and Science • Recovery Programs TARONGA ZOO REOPENING AFTER CLOSURE DAY A 67 — CHRIS WHEELER 8 9 TARONGA ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 OUR BOAR� Appointed Board Section 6 of the Zoological Parks Board Act 1973 (NSW) stipulates the criteria under which the members are appointed to the Board. The Board met six times during the year and the number of meetings attended by each member is shown in brackets. Mr Steve Crane (6) Ms Nancy Fox (6) BCom, FAICD, SF Fin BA JD (Law) FAICD Ministerial appointee. Chairman of Taronga Ministerial appointee. Deputy Chair of Platypus – Chris Wheeler Conservation Society Australia Board. Mr Crane Taronga Conservation Society Australia Board is Chairman of nib Holdings Limited and Global and Chair of the Performance, Audit, Risk & Valve Technology, and a Director of Australian Safety Committee. Ms Fox is a Director on Pipeline Limited (APA Group) and SCA Property. Steve has more the Boards of Perpetual Limited, ING Bank Australia and Lawcover. than 40 years of financial market experience, as well as an extensive She is Chairman of the Perpetual Equity Investment Company background in publicly-listed companies. Term expires 30th June 2021. and a former Director of the Australian Theatre for Young People Dr Ian Roth PSM (6) Dr Rosalind Dubs (6) and HCF Life. Ms Fox has more than 25 years of experience in BVSc, MANZCVs, GAICD BSc Dr ès Sc FTSE FAICD Clr Roy Bendall (5) financial services and risk management gained in Australia, the Ministerial Appointee. Dr Roth is the Chair of Ministerial Appointee. Member of the Strategy United States and across Asia. Term expires 30th June 2021. Representing Mosman Council. Member the Wildlife Conservation Committee, Director & Engagement and Wildlife Conservation of the Performance, Audit, Risk & Safety on the Board of RSPCA NSW, Director on Committees. Dr Dubs has had a diverse Mr John Walkom (6) Committee. Clr Bendall has broad experience the Board of RSPCA Australia, life member international business career,