celebrating our future - Zoos Victoria

CELEBRATING
OUR FUTURE
ZOOS
VICTORIA
ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007
MELBOURNE ZOO
HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY
WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO

‘For the young people
of the world’s cities, zoos
and aquariums are often
the first contact with nature
and so are the incubators
of the conservationists
of tomorrow’ .
Achim Steiner
Director General, IUCN
The World Conservation Union.

Zoos Victoria
builds enduring
relationships
between people
and wildlife for
a future in which
humans live
in balance with
the natural world.
Contents
2 Message from the Chairman
Andrew Fairley
4 Message from the Chief Executive Officer
Laura Mumaw
6 Celebrating milestones
8 A sustainable future is worth celebrating
10 The model of a modern zoo
11 The Zoos Victoria ‘alive with wonder’
operating ethos
12 Melbourne Zoo – celebrating diversity
14 Healesville Sanctuary – a celebration
of a special place
16 Werribee Open Range Zoo – open plains
and dissolving boundaries
18 Skills for life
19 Community partnerships
20 Research and conservation in the field
International projects
21 Research and conservation in the field
Australian projects
22 Vet care for all precious animals
24 Industry recognition and awards
25 Our work with endangered species
26 Zoos Victoria Foundation,
Partners and Supporters
28 Board biographies
30 Publications list
32 Objectives and performance
34 Facts and figures and visitor numbers
35 Financial summary
36 Disclosure index

Message from the Chairman
Andrew Fairley
I am honoured to have been entrusted with
the Chairmanship of the Zoological Parks and
Gardens Board by the former Minister for Water,
Environment and Climate Change (formerly the
Minister for Environment), the Hon John Thwaites,
in May 2007. The Board is charged with ensuring,
on behalf of the people of Victoria, that Zoos
Victoria lives out its values, that the right strategic
priorities are in place and that its performance is
first rate in every way. These are responsibilities
I take very seriously.
I want to pay tribute to my predecessor,
Tina McMeckan, whose stewardship as Chair
from 2001-2007 marks a period of remarkable
advancement at the three campuses. Tina
has handed on an organisation in great shape
and with an indisputably bright future. Everyone
who has had the pleasure of working with Tina
joins me in thanking her for her tireless efforts
on behalf of the three zoos.
It is also a distinct pleasure to find I am
working with a talented and engaged Board of
Directors, namely – Robert Kirby, who is Deputy
Chair, Associate Professor Andrew Vizard,
JoAnne Stephenson, Pru Sanderson, Dione Gilmour,
Nick Whitby, Gaye Hamilton and Ian Miles.
Lee Watts was farewelled during the year, and
our sincere thanks are extended to her.
The State Government has demonstrated its
staunch commitment to Zoos Victoria through its
generous funding of important capital works.
We also continue to enjoy support from important
corporate partners, including Melbourne Water,
whose contribution to the Melbourne Zoo water
recycling plant is celebrated in these pages.
2 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

The RACV’s support for animal welfare has
been manifest not only through its funding of
the Australian Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC)
at Healesville Sanctuary, but also through its
community service line, Wildlife Connect, whereby
motorists encountering injured animals will be
connected to one of three carer organisations;
Help for Wildlife, Wildlife Victoria and the
Wildlife Rescue and Information Network. The
Commonwealth Bank partnered with Zoos Victoria
to develop the interactive website dedicated
to life-saving work at the AWHC. BHP Billiton
continues its wonderful support of the
award-winning BHP Billiton Platypusary at
Healesville Sanctuary.
We work collaboratively with the Department
of Sustainability and Environment, the Department
of Education and Training, the Catholic Education
Office, Tourism Victoria and the City of Melbourne
in keeping Zoos Victoria at the forefront of tourism,
wildlife care and conservation education.
We extend heartfelt thanks to all our many
sponsors and supporters. Most particularly, we
thank the Friends of the Zoos for the invaluable
contribution of their guides and volunteers.
Your continued involvement is our lifeblood.
Together with the zoos’ committed and expert
executive and staff, we look to a future where the
zoos continue to grow as outstanding models of
education, conservation and research and continue
to build enduring relationships between people
and wildlife.
Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and
Werribee Open Range Zoo are amongst Victoria’s
most treasured assets and I am conscious that the
community expects each of them to flourish and
progress so that all our children’s children will
enjoy them, and be proud of them, long into
the future.
Andrew Fairley

Message from the Chief Executive Officer
Laura Mumaw
This year has been a landmark in Zoos Victoria’s
growth and development. Five years ago we
set out to transform our zoos, with funding from
the State Government, corporate partners,
and the community.
This year, that redevelopment culminated
with the opening of the Orang-utan Sanctuary
at Melbourne Zoo, Kubu River Hippos at Werribee
Open Range Zoo (WORZ) and the arrival of three
new female elephants from Thailand to join our
two resident elephants, Mek Kapah and Bong Su,
at Melbourne Zoo.
These changes have not only enriched the lives
of the animals in our care and enhanced the
experience for each visitor who walks through our
gates, but provided a platform for innovative new
education, conservation and research programs.
Our work is best done when shared, supported
and extended by partners. We would like to
acknowledge the many Victorian, Australian and
international partners with whom we engage in
conservation, education and research programs.
Support for the changing face of our zoos has been
demonstrated by the more than 1.6 million visitors
who walked through our gates, the highest for Zoos
Victoria in more than 15 years. Visitor satisfaction
surveys at all three campuses demonstrated strong
support for our zoos and their purpose to connect
people with wildlife, build knowledge, develop
skills and take informed action to conserve the
natural world.
We had fun – at overnight camps, birthday parties,
behind the scenes tours, WORZ Slumber Safaris,
and a refreshed Twilights series at Melbourne Zoo.
We trust you did too.
Although this stage of our development has been
completed, we view this as just the beginning.
Already we are in the early planning stage for
a ‘Stories From the Sea’ experience funded by our
Victorian Government.
To our ever energetic, hard working and committed
staff, volunteers and Friends, I give thanks. We look
forward to continuing to make our three zoos
and our work meaningful, rewarding and available
for you, our community.
Laura Mumaw
4 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Celebrating milestones
Across our three campuses we
celebrate the connection between
people and wild animals, and all
the possibilities that flow from
this magical interaction.
This has been an exciting and eventful year for
Zoos Victoria, with many long-term goals now
achieving fruition.
–––– We opened several world-leading exhibits,
allowing visitors to get even more up-close and
personal with wild animals. The Orang-utan
Sanctuary at Melbourne Zoo provides a truly
engaging environment for animals and visitors
alike and the Kubu River Hippos exhibit at Werribee
Open Range Zoo introduces visitors to hippos
without barriers, as if in Africa. Our ‘Slumber
Safaris’ entered Hall of Fame status with its
third tourism award and the Twilight Concerts
at Melbourne Zoo attracted new audiences
to the campus.
–––– New levels of sustainability are now in
place, with water conservation strategies, recycling,
a new water treatment plant and the imminent
recruitment of a dedicated Environmental Officer
to work across the three campuses.
–––– Community engagement has never been
higher with Friends of the Zoos now numbering
more than 61,000 members, including 700
guides and volunteers.
–––– Education programs flourished as 160,000+
students participated in learning programs across
the three campuses.
–––– Conservation and research continues to focus
on ecosystem preservation, with eight national
and five international projects underway, including
Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines and Africa.
–––– Even our website is busy – with 925,000+
‘virtual’ visitors and 31 per cent more people
downloading information this year. We aim to
extend website capabilities to include podcasts,
videocasts, blogs and other services over the
next year.
6 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Elephants are social animals, and
Melbourne Zoo’s three new females
have settled in alongside our two
long-term residents to create a new
and important family group in this
region of the world.

A sustainable future
is worth celebrating
‘The three campuses of Zoos Victoria
are becoming community models for
sustainability and play an important
educational role on the issues
of biodiversity and ecosystems.’
A holistic approach to our environment
will make us a model of sustainability
across all areas of operation.
This year saw implementation of more practices
aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of both
humans and animals at Zoos Victoria. We compost
all green waste, reduce water consumption,
design sustainable habitats for our animals and
replant vegetation. We also encourage our
visitors to do as much as they can when they
return home!
The Werribee River has benefited from 100,000+
indigenous trees, planted over the past eight
years through our associations with organisations
like Greenfleet. The Kubu River Hippos exhibit
at Werribee Open Range Zoo was designed using
a sustainable, low energy filtration system for
its wetlands.
We reduced our use of water across all campuses.
Healesville Sanctuary reduced water consumption
by over 50 per cent this summer compared
to last, largely due to the use of two 45,000 litre
rainwater tanks. The campus planted 75,000+
trees, shrubs and grasses in recent years to
revitalise and consolidate its bushland setting.
Melbourne Zoo’s water treatment plant
–––– Opened in August 2006, Melbourne Zoo’s
state of the art water treatment plant has treated
close to 37,000 kilolitres of water collected from
storm water, animal pool changeover water and
lake discharge – which would fill 1,480 Olympicsized
pools.
–––– Water is treated at a rate of 5.5 litres per
second (that’s a bathtub full every 20 seconds)
and the Plant has the capacity to store
620 kilolitres of treated water.
–––– The treated water is then distributed
through four kilometres of pipe reaching
80 per cent of the Zoo.
8 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

The model of a modern zoo
Our passion is contagious – many visitors
are inspired to help restore habitats, to
grow food for the animals, or to get involved
in conservation projects of their own.
We are passionate advocates for animals
and their welfare, proud to be a mentor
to other zoos in the region, and after
145 years’ operation we continue to look
to the future with optimism.
From a child’s delight at seeing a wild animal
for the first time, to a scientist’s complex
understanding of ecology, habitat and the
protection of endangered species – this wide
range of experience is encompassed by the Zoos
Victoria operating ethos, and our work extends
well beyond the boundaries of the campuses.
We work to develop sustainable habitats that
allow visitors as close to a ‘real’ meeting with
the animals as possible. We create research
projects to help us understand and conserve
the most endangered of native and international
species. Underpinning everything is our focus
on the future for animals and their natural
environments.
This journey of development has already seen
significant improvement in the Zoos Victoria
infrastructure across the three campuses. More
than nine in ten of our visitors already believe
that our campuses show animals in a natural
setting and show a high standard of care,
according to exit surveys conducted this year.
In fact our delivery of higher quality visitor
and animal environments has attracted more
visitors this year than at any time in our history.
We continue to plan new and exciting exhibits
that dissolve the boundaries between people
and wild animals, and between the walls of
the campuses and our community and greater
environment. For example our ‘Stories From The
Sea’ exhibit, now under development, will explore
and celebrate the wildlife that lives in this part
of the world’s oceans – more than 85 per cent
of it found only here.
A dedication to excellence has placed us as
mentor to others in the region – sharing our skills,
knowledge and resources. We aim to broaden the
understanding that the health of the environment
and its wildlife is inextricably linked to our
own well-being.
10 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

The Zoos Victoria ‘alive with wonder’
operating ethos
We believe in the value of animals as
individuals, as species, and as a collective
ecosystem. We apply our expertise to
conserve animals through excellence of
care, captive breeding and programs in
field conservation.
In a world with more urbanisation, less natural
spaces and increasing pressure on animal
habitats, there is less opportunity for people to
connect with live animals. Because of this, we
play a special role in creating positive experiences
between animals and humans. We set the
emotional foundation for public support for,
and involvement in, animal conservation.
In order to have impact, we need to influence
as many people as possible. To do this, we need
to promise and deliver something relevant and
attractive to the wider community.
We aim to create zoos that are ‘alive with
wonder’– living, breathing places of change,
diversity and energy that continue to surprise
and delight people of all ages. We will do this
by providing top-class care for the animals
entrusted to us, for native animals brought to
us and by contributing to research, education
and conservation projects inside and outside
our property boundaries.
We endeavour to create experiences that are
close, involving and stimulating for visitors. We
want visitors to enjoy themselves, and to feel the
wonder and affection we feel toward animals.
We try to take our visitors on an emotional
journey that builds a bond with animals, but also
alerts them to the challenges facing animals in
the wild. We want to make it easy for visitors to
take action during their visit and after they leave
our gates.

Melbourne Zoo
celebrating diversity
Urban residents gain a window on the
world of wildlife at Melbourne Zoo, which
showcases a diversity of species. This year’s
achievements have been especially exciting.
Strengthening our Zoos’ links with Thailand,
three new female elephants Dokkoon, Kulab and
Num-oi arrived at Melbourne Zoo in November.
Along with long-term residents Mek Kapah and
Bong Su, this socially cohesive group now forms
an important herd, part of the Australasian
Zoos Conservation Program for Asian Elephants.
Visitors and Orang-utans come face to face in
our new world-class sanctuary. The animals
swing on specially constructed sway poles, climb
onto feeding platforms high in the air and interact
with their environment and each other as though
in a forest environment. Visitor viewing platforms
at ‘tree top’ level bring people eye to eye and
centimetres apart from their animal relatives.
Three Sumatran tiger cubs were born in October
2006, bringing the population within the
Australasian Zoos’ breeding program (involving
12 zoos in the region) to 27. Sumatran tigers are
the most endangered of the tiger sub-species
with only 300-400 now surviving in the wild.
Zoos Victoria is supporting a major habitat
conservation initiative in Sumatra.
Our visitor programs were reinvigorated with
the ‘Twilight Series’ of concerts a stand-out
success, attracting more than 43,000 visitors,
to hear artists like James Morrison and Kate
Ceberano perform on summer evenings.
Stories From the Sea will create a major drawcard
in the future. Currently in the planning stage,
this innovative display will further dissolve
the boundaries between zoos and the greater
environment, bringing a fascinating new focus
to the unique wildlife of this region’s oceans,
right in our own backyard.
12 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Healesville Sanctuary
a celebration of a special place
Julie Squires, sculptor of Bunjil says:
‘I envisaged the eagle as the overseer,
the protector of the sanctuary; a creator that
symbolises the strength and beauty of
the natural world. Its form provides a unique
combination of structural beauty mixed
with the potential for lethal action. It is a
paradox with an edginess that I found both
captivating and inspiring.’
Encountering wildlife in a bushland setting
creates a uniquely Australian sense of place.
Visitors to Healesville Sanctuary (HS) experience
the timeless wonder of the Australian bush. We
enjoyed the highest visitor numbers in five years,
with new habitats and the Australian Wildlife
Health Centre major drawcards.
‘Bunjil’, our graceful and imposing steel eagle
sculpture, has become a ‘must-photograph’ for
visitors at the entrance to the campus. Sculptor
Julie Squires was inspired by the Dreaming
story told to her by Murrundindi, head of the
Wurundjeri people and Indigenous interpreter for
Healesville Sanctuary. Wedge-tailed Eagle Bunjil
represents the Wurundjeri creator spirit. The
steel ‘Bunjil’ has a wingspan of seven metres and
stands three metres high, an engineering
feat with more than 1,000 individual feathers
forming its wings.
The aptly named ‘Devil’s Playground’ opened,
a new home for Tasmanian Devils. Visitors can
view the devils interacting with each other, eating
and can even peek into their sleeping den. This
group is part of a program aiming to create a
mainland breeding population of 1,000 devils free
from the facial disease currently threatening
wild populations in Tasmania.
The Australian Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC)
allows visitors to see first-hand how we care for
wild animals – in real examination and operating
rooms with glass walls. The AWHC has interactive
exhibits that enlighten and engage visitors on the
health and rehabilitation of all species.
Helping care for birds of prey has become part of
prisoner rehabilitation at Beechworth Correctional
Centre, thanks to a program developed with HS.
Inmates take care of injured or orphaned birds of
prey before they are released back into the wild
and this has improved participants’ self-esteem,
cooperation and respect for others.
14 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Werribee Open Range Zoo
open plains and dissolving boundaries
Visitors encounter wild animals
at close range in the vast landscape of
Werribee Open Range Zoo. This year
we celebrate the creation of an exciting
and world-leading new hippo habitat.
Our Kubu River Hippos exhibit opened in
September 2006, setting new standards for
accommodating and viewing hippos. Visitors
enter a multi-sensory area covering three hectares
where they are transported to the Okavango Delta
in Africa, walking amongst hippos through a river
habitat that also incorporates the territories of
lions, vervet monkeys, cheetahs and more. The
sense of ‘safe danger’ provides excitement and
self-discovery for visitors of all ages. The exhibit
was designed for sustainability with a low-energy
solution for removing hippo excrement – a feature
that we’ll showcase in future years during ‘behind
the scenes’ experiences.
Another new experience, the ‘Tall Order Giraffe
Encounters’ tour, allows our visitors to come
eye to eye with giraffes, learning about their life
in the wild.
The Volcanic Plains walking trail was extended
and now provides almost a kilometre of track
where visitors come close to savannah animals.
Slumber Safaris, one of our most popular
experiences, offers people the excitement and
wonder of sleeping on the savannah, close to
the animals. Slumber Safaris entered Hall of Fame
status by receiving its third consecutive Victorian
Tourism Award for Unique Accommodation.
Our ever-popular Safari Tour was highly ranked
by more than 97 per cent of visitors who took part.
Regeneration of our environment is a priority at
all campuses and at WORZ we have been actively
involved in work around the Werribee River.
Planting trees and indigenous grasses to create
new habitats for native animals, undertaking
water quality testing and environmental
clean-up activities, and raising awareness of
the world amphibian crisis.
16 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Skills for life
Getting to know the habitats, eating habits
and life cycles of wild animals, going
‘behind the scenes’ with the keepers and
solving complex ecological puzzles are just
some of the hands-on educational programs
giving Victorian students skills for life.
Last year 160,000+ students participated in a
diverse range of dynamic educational programs,
making Zoos Victoria one of the state’s largest
non-school educators.
At Werribee Open Range Zoo (WORZ) the
award-winning ‘Trees Paws and Claws’ program
introduces school children of all ages to the
natural environment of the Werribee River and
asks them to assess, based on earlier discussions,
which of the native species might still be living
in the area. The children look for the hollow logs,
vegetation for food and other requirements that
they have learned are essential for an animal
to live in that environment. They then assess for
themselves what needs to happen to allow the
species to return to the area. In partnership with
Greenfleet the children can fundraise for five trees
to be planted along the river, or can take the same
concepts back to their local environments.
Students who visit Melbourne Zoo (MZ) are
encouraged to support our Orang-utans ‘browse’
(plant matter) foods production program
by growing appropriate ‘browse’ plants at their
school, harvesting them for our Orang-utans
and other primates. This encourages students
to research and actively engage with local
conservation projects and biodiversity issues.
Engaging new programs for gifted and high
potential students allow them to imagine they
are researchers in the field. We provide clues
and information and the students present their
theories and observations on the topic. These
projects were: conservation in South East Asia
(MZ), Tasmanian Devil facial disease (HS) and the
global amphibian crisis (WORZ).
Teenagers have flocked to our school holiday
‘Zoo Adventures’ programs for children aged
12 to 18. Our Work Experience program ‘Vet for
a day’, which places years 10, 11 and 12 students
in the shoes of a consulting vet, has been so
successful we are planning ways to broaden
the participant base.
18 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Community partnerships
Many visitors want to make a
meaningful difference to wildlife in
Africa. A partnership with Zimbabwe’s
Tikki Hywood Trust focuses on breeding
and release programs. Thanks to the
support of the SAVE Foundation, an
education program has been established
in Zimbabwe.
After visiting our campuses visitors are
inspired to act – they want to make a
difference in sustainability and other areas.
We are able to extend their experience
by creating links to relevant conservation
organisations.
Zoos Victoria’s Friends of the Zoos (FOTZ)
continued to be an important and highly
valued community partner, through its ongoing
support and promotion of many aspects of our
organisation including conservation, education,
research, visitor experience and fundraising
activities. The general membership of 61,000+
(an increase of 8% on 2005/06) contributed
financially through subscription. The guides
and volunteers, numbering 700, donated 71,000+
hours through various activities ranging from
hosting guided tours and interacting with visitors
to collecting corks for recycling and animal
enrichment programs.
FOTZ also provided six Sir Alfred Dunbavin
Butcher Memorial Scholarships for staff
development opportunities this year which
included funding for Animal Division staff to
attend international workshops and conferences.
The Tikki Hywood Trust program aims to engage
the children with wildlife and teach them
the skills of conservation, including alternative
sources of food (chicken breeding, market
gardens) and firewood (brickettes made from
compressed leaf litter and dung). Australians
continue to contribute educational materials
to the program through CARE.
We partner with other leading organisations
for the development and delivery of many
of our education programs; for example the
Gene Technology Access Centre to run genetics
conferences for VCE students, Melbourne
Water for a Water Discovery Education Program,
Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE and
Delaware North Companies Australia for a
conference for tourism students, and many other
organisations including the Amphibian Research
Centre, the City of Melbourne, Royal Children’s
Hospital and internationally we are working with
Beijing Zoo on the development of an Australian
Precinct as part of its Olympic refurbishment.
.

Research and conservation
in the field – international projects
Zoos Victoria supports extensive research
and conservation programs in Australia
and around the world with the aim
of conserving and protecting valuable
animal habitats.
The Tenkile conservation program in Papua
New Guinea works to conserve the Tenkile tree
kangaroos and their habitat in the Torricelli
Mountains. It attracted an Australasian Regional
Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria
Conservation Award in 2007, in recognition of
exceptional efforts towards habitat preservation,
species restoration and support of biodiversity
in the wild.
Other international research and conservation
projects include a long-term wetlands and
crocodile protection program in the Philippines,
as well as two Cambodian programs including the
Kouprey Express Mobile Conservation Awareness
unit (a travelling bus which provides educational
programs to communities about their wildlife
and how to protect it) and wildlife research in the
Cardamom mountains.
Zoos Victoria is the major sponsor of the
program, targeted for local management by
2009. The program takes a holistic approach to
wildlife, the broader environment and the
human communities as a model for achieving
sustainable biodiversity conservation.
20 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Research and conservation
in the field – Australian projects
The Tasmanian Devil population in
Tasmania is faced with an unprecedented
threat with facial disease. Zoos Victoria
is actively involved with other zoos in the
region in creating a mainland breeding
population of 1,000 devils which could be
reintroduced to the wild if necessary.
Zoos Victoria (ZV) is a model in the region
for field research and wildlife conservation,
particularly captive breeding and
reintroduction of species to the wild.
As conservationists, our commitment to the
Victorian Government is to continually work
towards better conservation breeding programs
and more effective reintroduction strategies.
A good example of the challenges faced by
conservation breeding programs is the Mountain
Pygmy Possum, a species that lives above the
snow line across three mountain-tops in Victoria
and NSW. The Mount Buller population is
endangered and a program is underway to restore
habitat and reintroduce the species. However
as it hibernates under the snow in winter,
ZV had to develop facilities for the animals that
simulate hibernation conditions and allow normal
breeding in spring. Our plan is to have the new
population breeding in the wild again within
five years.
Frogs are another global conservation concern,
undergoing dramatic declines in numbers,
particularly in Australia. ZV is broadening its
conservation and research programs for frogs
to gain a comprehensive understanding of what
is responsible for the decline of the species.
A recent investigation into antifungal medications
for the treatment of the fatal chytridiomycosis
in frog populations found one drug with positive
impacts, a ground-breaking research outcome.
Caring for wild seals in the oceans around Victoria
has involved ZV in a 20 year collaboration
with universities and other researchers, primarily
in the area of safe handling and anaesthesia.
Currently ZV is actively studying diseases and
parasites in the wild seals of our region.
Our new Stories from the Sea exhibit at
Melbourne Zoo will awe visitors with the mystery
of the ocean on Victoria’s doorstep and connect
them with local marine awareness, research,
experience and conservation programs.
Conservation breeding programs
and species reintroduction
• Orange-bellied Parrot
• Helmeted Honeyeater
• Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies
• Mountain Pygmy Possum
• Eastern Barred Bandicoot
• Tasmanian Devil
• Spotted Tree Frog
• Corroboree Frog
• Southern Barred Frog

Vet care for all precious animals
The care of zoo animals is every bit as
complex as human health care, and often
specialists are required, just as they are
for our ailments. For example this year we
treated an orang-utan with a food allergy,
and continued to manage the epilepsy
of a female Australian Fur Seal.
Much of our work is preventative medicine,
keeping all animals at peak health. As an
organisation we have a region-leading emphasis
on breeding assessment and research.
Our new elephants received a visit from a worldleading
elephant fertility team from Berlin, who
assessed our group for fertility and possible future
breeding. Bong Su, our resident male, is providing
semen both for artificial insemination (AI) in
our region and also for a research project in the
area of X and Y chromosome separation prior
to AI, which will allow determination of male
or female births.
Many breeding programs involve transfers
of animals, locally or internationally. This year,
some of the species transfered from Werribee
Open Range Zoo included addax, Prezwalski horse,
blackbuck, cheetah, zebra, oryx and sable antelope.
Healesville Sanctuary (HS) provides its visitors
with the unique experience of being able to watch
animal health care first hand at the Australian
Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC). This year we
were closely involved with the assessment and
rehabilitation of Koalas burnt in the Victorian
State Forest fires, and treated 20 of the injured
Koalas at the AWHC.
In the past year, eight Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby
joeys were born at HS, a boost to this critically
endangered species. The campus’s Orange-bellied
Parrot program also returned to full capacity and
it is anticipated that next year’s release will be
twice the size.
Zoos Victoria, RACV and the three Wildlife
Carer Groups celebrated the first anniversary
of the 13 11 11 Wildlife Connect Service this year.
The service has exceeded expectations, receiving
over 1700 calls to assist wildlife injured on
Victoria’s roads.
22 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Great veterinary care starts
with the animal keepers at
all three campuses – it is
their close relationship with,
and understanding of the
animals that allows changes
in behaviour or welfare to
be noticed and acted upon
without delay.

Industry recognition and awards
• Slumber Safaris at Werribee Open Range Zoo
won the Victorian Tourism Award for Unique
Accommodation for the third year and entered
the Victorian Tourism Hall of Fame.
• Kubu River Hippos exhibit at WORZ won the
Australasian Society of Zoo Keeping (ASZK)
Exhibit Award.
• WORZ won the Australian Travel and Tourism
Award for Best Family Focused Attraction
awarded by The Australian newspaper.
• ‘Trees Paws and Claws’ at WORZ won the
ARAZPA Education Award 2007 which recognises
outstanding achievement in educational program
design in ARAZPA institutions.
• Zoos Victoria’s Tenkile Conservation Program
won the ARAZPA In Situ Conservation Award 2007
which recognises exceptional effort by an ARAZPA
institution toward habitat preservation, species
restoration, and support of biodiversity
in the wild.
• Kubu River Hippos exhibit at WORZ won the
Australasian Regional Association of Zoological
Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA) Significant Exhibit
Award 2007 which recognises excellence in the
area of animal display and exhibit design by an
ARAZPA institution, for exhibits costing more
than $100,000. Melbourne Zoo’s Orang-utan
Sanctuary was a close finalist.
24 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Our work with endangered species
This map identifies the global locations of the many threatened species with which Zoos Victoria is
involved. Examples of these are, from Africa: White Rhino, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Western Lowland Gorilla
and African Wild Dog. From Central and South America: Jaguar, Tamarin, Maned Wolf. From Madagascar:
Ring-tailed Lemur, Ruffed Lemur, Day Gecko. From South East Asia: Asian Elephant, Orang-utan, Sumtran
Tiger. From North America: American Bison, Carolina Box Turtle. From Australia: Mountain Pygmy
Possum, Orange-bellied Parrot, Spotted Tree Frog and Tasmanian Devil.
The International Union for the Conservation of
Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) reports that
one in four mammals, one in eight birds, one third
of all amphibians and 70 percent of the world’s
assessed plants are now known to be in jeopardy.
In 2006-07 our zoos were involved with programs
and management of threatened and endangered
species from around the world, in partnership
with a wide range of national and international
organisations. Thirty percent of the species we
care for require urgent saving, with classifications
ranging from vulnerable to extinct in the wild.
For the complete list of species and classifications
please visit http://www.zoo.org.au/zpgb/0607/
docs/endangered_species.pdf

Zoos Victoria Foundation
Partners and Supporters
Major Partners
BHP Billiton
Cadbury Schweppes
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Delaware North Companies Australia
Friends of the Zoos (FOTZ)
Melbourne Water
Nestle Peters
RACV
Media Partners
The Herald & Weekly Times
Leader Newspapers
Network Ten
Exhibit Partners
CIBA Specialty Chemicals
Zoos Victoria Foundation
The Zoos Victoria Foundation is the internal fundraising arm of
Zoos Victoria.
The Foundation develops and delivers innovative partnership programs
for business and the community as well as individual giving opportunities.
Through building strong relationships and engaging its supporters,
the Foundation aims to generate support and resources to enhance the
conservation, education, research, and wildlife care activities of Zoos
Victoria. Our goal is to reconnect our communities with wildlife and each
other, to create a future rich with life and diversity.
In the past year, the Zoos Victoria Foundation launched a new major
partnership and celebrated a significant anniversary. At Melbourne Zoo,
an important community service, the Melbourne Water Discovery Trail
was officially launched in conjunction with the zoo’s Water Recycling Plant.
Zoos Victoria, together with major partner RACV and the three wildlife
carer groups – Help for Wildlife, Wildlife Victoria, and the Wildlife Rescue
and Information Network – celebrated the first year of the 13 11 11 Wildlife
Connect Service. In year one, the service responded to over 1700 calls
to assist wildlife injured on Victorian roads. Linfox continued its long-term
support for Zoos Victoria by providing on-ground logistics for the arrival
of the three new elephants from Thailand.
The Foundation also launched a special corporate membership package
offering small to medium sized enterprises a unique way to support the
work of Zoos Victoria.
Conservation Partners
Genetic Technologies
Greenfleet
Veterinary Partners
Gribbles
Pfizer Animal Health
Virbac
Melbourne Veterinary Referral Centre
Animal Eye Care
University of Melbourne – Dept. of
Veterinary Science Clinic and Hospital
Community Partners
Appetite Foods
Arbornet
Arborco
Arnold Bloch Leibler
Australian Wheat Board
Axiom Australia
Braemar Graphics
BM Investments
CCD Animal Health
Cheetham Salt
Chiquita Trading
City West Water
Cleanaway
Cleanevent
Colonial Weighing Australia
Coprice Feeds
Dalton Fine Paper
Defazio Ceramic Imports
Elders Hycube
26 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Established Tree Transplanters
Filtex Filters
Folk & Co.
Freehills
Garfield Sands
Grow Better
GSG Iconic
Husqvarna
Kefford Corporation
Linfox
Mailguard
Major Meats
Manildra Group
Mattioli Brothers
Mega Enterprises
Melbourne Market Authority
Melton Toyota
Mettler Toldeo
Murray Goulburn
National Foods Limited
Northern Metropolitan Institute
of Technology
Organic Recyclers
Orica
Pacia
Parchem Construction
Pet’s Own Milk
Pilkington Glass
Rainbird Australia
RMIT
Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens
RUCC Pty Ltd
Save Australia
South Africa Tourism
Specialised Road Maintenance Werribee
Spectrum Distributors
STOPline
Taylor Bros Contracting
Tip Top Bakeries
Tree Logic
Ultrahawke
Uncle Bens
University of Melbourne
VCAH Burnley College
Victoria University
Villa and Hut
Village Roadshow
Visy Recycling
Werribee Mercy Hospital
Western Plains Flora
Individual Supporters
Alan and Lorna Hamilton
Betty Lynch
Cecilia Dart-Thornton
Christine Milton
Dr. Steve Coles
The late Mary Pauw
Venise Alstegren
Trusts & Foundations
Helen Macpherson Smith Trust
HGK Foundation
John T Reid Charitable Trusts
Merrin Foundation
Sir Colin and Lady Mackenzie Trust
Snowee Nominees
State Trustees
The Cybec Foundation
The Ian Potter Foundation
The Merle Carroll Assistance Fund
The Sidney Myer Fund
Victor Smorgon Charitable Trust
McGregor West
Bequests
The Estate of Agnes Saffron
The Estate of Alma Lillian Martin
The Estate of Donald Ritchie
The Estate of Florence Davis
The Estate of Jean Margaret Webb
The Estate of Joan Liddell Miller
The Estate of Lois Dawn Watson
& Patricia Manning
The Estate of Margaret Joyce Godbold
The Estate of Reginald Gregory
The Estate of Roma Adelaide Parkes
The Estate of Winifred MacKenzie
Ambassadors
Matt Welsh
Annette Allison
Tracy Bartram
Graeme Base
Murrundindi
Vince Colosimo
Geoff Cox
Sallianne Deckert
Brigitte Duclos
John Farnham
Lindsay Fox
Deborra-Lee Furness
Rob Gell
Monica Grollo
Jo Hall
Jennifer Hansen
Bob Hart
Peter Hitchener
Kerri-Anne Kennerley
Jennifer Keyte
Mike Larkan
Tamsyn Lewis
Colette Mann
Trevor Marmalade
Kirstie Marshall
Brian & Maree Mayfield-Smith
Lisa McCune
Rove McManus
Mick Molloy
Magda Szubanski
Livinia Nixon
Peter Phelps
Jana Pittman
James Ramsden
Merrick Watts
David Reyne
Naomi Robson
Catriona Rowntree
Kevin Sheedy
Sigrid Thornton
Judith Slocombe
Matt Tilley
Kylie Smith
Beverley Sutherland-Smith
John So
Gary Sweet
Joy Murphy
Lady Primrose Potter, AC, DLJ

Board biographies
Prudence Sanderson
JoAnne Stephenson
Tina McMeckan
Robert Kirby
Andrew Fairley
Lee Watts
Gaye Hamilton
Andrew Vizard
Nick Whitby
Dione Gilmour
Chair: Mr Andrew EJ Fairley
LLB, FAICD
Appointed to the Board as Chair in April 2007. Mr Fairley
has a background in sustainable tourism over more than
twenty years and is currently the Chair of the Alpine
Resorts Coordinating Council in Victoria. He is a Board
member of Ecotourism Australia and the International
Ecotourism Society. He is also on the Council of Deakin
University. He has practised as a Specialist Equity lawyer
for over thirty years, and is currently a Consultant with
Holding Redlich. He is Chairman of the Sir Andrew
& Lady Fairley Foundation.
Ms Tina McMeckan
BSc, MBA (Melb), FAICD
Retired April 2007
Appointed to the Board in June 1996. Reappointed
in 2001 and appointed Chair in 2002. Twenty years
experience in enterprise development, equity
investment and energy industry reform. Science and
technology appointments include Chairman of the
Centre for Eye Research Australia and a Director of the
Vision Cooperative Research Centre, Nanotechnology
Victoria Ltd and MediHerb Holdings Ltd and a
member of the Funds Management Committee of the
AusIndustry Research and Development Board. Current
energy sector appointment as a Director of Alinta
Limited. Also a Member of the National Board
of Deacons law firm.
Deputy Chair: Mr Robert G Kirby
BComm
Appointed to the Board in August 2006. Reappointed
April 2007. Chairman, Executive Director, Village
Roadshow Limited. Robert first joined the Board of
Village Roadshow in August 1988 and was reappointed
in July 2001. Robert has over 30 years experience in
the entertainment and media industry. Through the
launch of Roadshow Home Video, Mr. Kirby was the
driving force behind the Australian video revolution
of the 1980s and 1990s. He is a pioneer of new cinema
concepts in both Australia and internationally and
has been at the forefront of Village Roadshow’s
successful diversification into theme parks, radio and
production. Director Austereo Group Limited and
Chairman of Village Roadshow Corporation Limited.
Currently Deputy Chairman of Peter MacCallum Cancer
Foundation and Member of Patrons Council, Epilepsy
Foundation, and Patron of Victorian Arts Centre.
Ms Lee Watts
BA (Hons), MA (Hons)
Retired April 2007
Appointed to the Board in June 2001. Reappointed
in 2004. Lee has extensive experience in the Higher
Education sector, contributing to national taskforces
and working parties. Lee is a member of the Victorian
Ministerial Higher Education Advisory Committee.
She also has experience in Industrial Relations
through roles with the ACTU and the National Tertiary
Education Union and has published papers and
books in industrial relations.
28 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Associate Professor Andrew Vizard
BVSc (Hons) MVPM
Appointed to the Board in April 1999. Reappointed
in 2002. Reappointed in 2005. Associate Professor of
Veterinary Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science,
University of Melbourne. Senior consultant and former
Director of the Mackinnon Project, University of
Melbourne. Author of 50+ scientific papers, Professor
Vizard has been a board member of a number of
statutory, scientific and commercial organisations.
He is currently a non-executive Chairman of
Phosphagenics Ltd, and a Director of Animal Health
Australia Ltd and Ridley Corporation Ltd. He is also
a trustee of The Australian Wool Trust.
Ms JoAnne Stephenson
BComm, BLLB (Hons)
Appointed to the Board in October 2004. Reappointed
in 2007. National Managing Partner, KPMG Risk
Advisory Services practice and Lead Partner of KPMG’s
Victorian Government services practice. She has
had experience in the audit, corporate recovery and
consulting areas of the firm. She now leads the practice
which provides a broad range of risk advisory services
to KPMG’s clients, a practice of 55 partners and over
700 staff nationally. JoAnne is also a member of the
firm’s National Executive Committee, Risk Management
Committee and a member of the Asia Pacific leadership
team for the risk advisory services practice area.
Ms Prudence Sanderson
BArch (Hons), Grad Dip Arch Cons, Dip CD AICD
Appointed to the Board in May 2005. Pru is the CEO
of the Victorian State Government’s sustainable urban
development authority. After graduating with honours
in architecture, Pru held senior positions delivering
major infrastructure projects including Design
Manager for the Melbourne Museum and Manager
of Development and Operations for Federation Square.
She has also served in local government with City
of Melbourne and City of Whitehorse. Immediately
prior to VicUrban Pru was CEO of Monash Property
Management Pty Ltd.
Ms Dione Gilmour
PSM
Appointed to the Board in May 2005. Dione is Executive
Producer of the Natural History Unit, ABC Television.
She has worked as a researcher, director, producer,
executive producer and commissioning editor mainly
in the area of natural history. Dione’s role has provided
her with extensive exposure to not only Melbourne’s
zoological community, but the global network of zoos
and other wildlife organisations Dione works with
filmmakers and broadcasters from around the world
making entertaining television programs in the areas
of natural history, science and history appealing
to the widest possible audiences. Dione has chaired
committees as well as being a board member
and advisory committee member, for both state
and federal organisations and was awarded a Public
Service Medal for services to natural history
filmmaking in 1999.
Mr Nicholas Whitby
BBus
Appointed to the Board in May 2005. Nick is Chief
Executive Officer, Grollo Group Mt Buller managing
their range of assets based on Mount Buller in Victoria.
Nick has responsibility for a range of business and assets
including property development, ski lift operations,
hospitality and retail assets. Through these activities
Nick has developed a good understanding of the
tourism sector and the interaction between commercial
operations and government.
Ms Gaye Hamilton
BSc(Ed)
Appointed to the Board in April 2007. Ms Hamilton is
the educator/coordinator of the Earthwatch Institute
and works as a consultant. Previously she held senior
positions with Museums Victoria as well as Zoos
Victoria. She is a member of the Queen Victoria
Women’s Trust, Victorian State Sports Centre Trust,
Seaworks, and the Western Bulldogs Football Club.
In 2003 Ms Hamilton received the Victoria Telstra
Businesswoman of the Year award for the community
and government sector.
Mr Ian W Miles
BSc (Hons), MSc, Dip(Ed)
Appointed to the Board in June 2007. Mr Miles is
Executive Director, Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Services at Victoria’s Department of Sustainability and
Environment. Mr Miles has an extensive background
in public land use planning and policy and has been
involved in the development of integrated land
management initiatives associated with the protection
of Victoria’s native fauna.

Publications list
Books
Holz, P. (2006) Renal anatomy and physiology. Reptile
Medicine and Surgery, 2nd Edition. Mader, D.R., ed.
Saunders Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri. Pp 135-144.
Journal articles
Holz, P.H., and Raidal S.R., (2006) Comparative renal
anatomy of exotic species. Veterinary Clinics of North
America: Exotic Animal Practice. 9: (1) 1-11.
Holz, P.H., Naisbitt, R., and Mansell, P. (2006)
Fitness level as a determining factor in the survival
of rehabilitated peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus)
and brown goshawks (Accipiter fasciatus) released
back into the wild. Journal of Avian Medicine
and Surgery. 20: 15-20.
Holz, P.H., and Desch, C.E. (2006) Demodex tortellinioides
n. sp. (Acari: Demodecidae) from the agile antechinus,
Antechinus agilis Dickman, Parnaby, Crowther and King,
1998 (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in Australia. International
Journal of Acarology. 32: 81-84.
Holz, P.H., Schmidt, A.L., Taggart, D.A., Temple-
Smith, P.D., and Bradley, A.J. (2006) Plasma steroids
and steroid-binding capacity in male semelparous
dasyurid marsupials (Phascogale tapoatafa) that survive
beyond the breeding season in captivity. General and
Comparative Endocrinology. 149 (3): 236-243.
Hudson, R. (2006) Healesville Sanctuary – A haven
for learning. Interaction – Journal of the Geography
Teachers Association of Victoria Vol 34 No 3: 14.
Jessop, T. S., Madsen, T., Sumner, J., Rudiharto, H.,
Phillips, J. A., and Ciofi, C. (2006) Maximum body size
among insular Komodo dragon populations covaries with
large prey density. Oikos 112: 422-429.
Jessop, T.S., Lanyon, J.M., Slade, R.W., Sneath, H.L,
Broderick, D., Kirkwood, J.M., Limpus, D., and Limpus,
C.J. (2006) A method for capturing dugongs (Dugong
dugon) in open water. Aquatic Mammals 32 (2):196-201.
Jessop, T. S., Madsen, T., Sumner, J., Rudiharto,
H., Phillips, J. A., and Ciofi, C. (2007) Differences
in population size structure and body condition:
Conservation implications for Komodo Dragons.
Biological Conservation 135: 247-255.
Jessop, T. S., Imansyah, J., Claudio, C., and Zubaid, A.
(2007). Ontogenetic differences in the spatial ecology of
immature Komodo dragons. Journal of Zoology (in press).
Lowry, R. (2006) Trees, Paws and Claws – Taking action
at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Interaction – Journal
of the Geography Teachers Association of Victoria
Vol 34 No 3: 13.
Lynch, M., Kirkwood, R., Gales, N., Dann, P., and
Sumner, M. (2006) At sea movements and habitat use of
adult male Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus
doriferus). Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(12): 1781-1788.
McCoy, J. (2006) Planet Keeper Tiger Team – Melbourne
Zoo. Interaction – Journal of the Geography Teachers
Association of Victoria Vol 34 No 3: 16.
Wilson, L. (2006) Keeping the learning real in Australia
and New Zealand. Journal of the International Zoo
Educators Association 42: 38-41.
30 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

Conference proceedings
Banks, C.B., and Evans, K. (2007) Not all zoos are equal:
raising standards in less resourced zoos. Proc. ARAZPA
Annual Conference, Wellington, NZ, 2007.
Banks, C.B. (2007) Developing a new conservation
strategy for Zoos Victoria. Proc. ARAZPA Annual
Conference, Wellington, NZ, 2007.
Burgoyne, D. (2007) Behavioural changes in SW Rhino
due to dehorning. Proc. 5th Rhino Keeper Workshop,
Melbourne, 2007.
Drake, B. (2006) Werribee Animal Transport Sling. Proc.
First Australasian Regional Environmental Enrichment
Conference, Melbourne, 2006.
Finlay, Y. (2007) Creating conservation partnerships
to make a difference. Proc International Zoo Educators
Bi-Annual Conference, Pretoria, South Africa, 2007.
Hammond, R. (2007) The Zoo as a rich learning resource.
Proc. ARAZPA Annual Conference, Wellington, NZ, 2007.
Hammond, R. (2006) Enriched Learning. First
Australasian Regional Environmental Enrichment
Conference, Melbourne, 2006.
Hobbs, R. (2006) Happy Herpetofauna at Melbourne
Zoo. Proc. First Australasian Regional Environmental
Enrichment Conference, Melbourne, 2006.
Hobbs, R. (2007) The First Breeding of the Southern
Corroboree Frog at Melbourne Zoo. Proc. Australasian
Society of Zookeeping Annual Conference,
Alice Springs, 2007.
Hockley, J. (2007) The highs and lows of hand raising
baby platypus. Proc. ARAZPA Annual Conference,
Wellington, NZ, 2007.
Holz, P.H. (2007) Invited Speaker – 6 Lectures. Proc.
North American Veterinary Conference, Volume 21,
Pp. 1542-1553.
Holz, P.H., McLelland, D., Rich, B., Johnson, R., Peters,
A., and Barker, I.K. (2006). Pharmacokinetics of a single
intramuscular injection of amoxicillin trihydrate in
tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii). Proc. American
Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Tampa Bay, Florida,
USA. P. 256.
Kidman, M. (2007) Hippos on the Move. Proc. ARAZPA
Annual Conference, Wellington, NZ, 2007.
Killeen, S. (2007) Orang-utan Sanctuary: Connect,
care, act. Proc. ARAZPA Annual Conference, Wellington,
NZ, 2007.
Killeen, S., and Tkachenko, N. (2006) Performance and
Space: thematically linking the two. Proc. Many Players,
Many Parts: The Third National Forum on Performance
in Cultural Institutions, Melbourne, 2006.
Lowry, R. (2007) Authentic Learning Experiences –
A recipe for success. Proc. International Zoo Educators
Bi-Annual Conference, Pretoria, South Africa, 2007.
Mumaw, L. (2006) Saving Our Wildlife: From the People
for the People. Proc. WAZA Annual Conference, Leipzig,
Germany, 2006.
Mumaw, L., Hunter, L., Steele, J., and Rowe, R. (2007)
Creating a talent pool for our future. Proc. ARAZPA
Annual Conference, Wellington, NZ, 2007.
Rowe, R. (2007) 2107: Celebrating the World Zoo Project
and other possibilities. Proc. ARAZPA Annual Conference,
Wellington, NZ, 2007.
Srb, C. (2007) Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease.
Proc. Australasian Society of Zookeeping Annual
Conference, Alice Springs, 2007.
Scanlon, K. (2006) Animal Enrichment in an
Open Range Environment. Proc. First Australasian
Regional Environmental Enrichment Conference,
Melbourne, 2006.
Steele, J., Embury, A., and Brighton, J. (2007) Orang-utan
Sanctuary: A Place for Orangs. Proc. ARAZPA Annual
Conference, Wellington, NZ, 2007.
Theses
Mason, P. (2006) Indicators of rehabilitative success
in hospital admissions of kookaburras (Dacelo
novaeguineae) and crimson rosellas (Platycercus elegans).
Master of Veterinary Science, Thesis. University
of Melbourne.
Jones, R. (2007) Kubu River Hippos – The Challenge
of being Green. Proc. ARAZPA Annual Conference,
Wellington, NZ, 2007.

Objectives and performance
MZ – Melbourne Zoo
HS – Healesville Sanctuary
WORZ – Werribee Open Range Zoo
ZV – Zoos Victoria
ARAZPA – Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria
Actions
Results
CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITY
Provide outstanding MZ opens new Orang-utan • MZ welcomes more than 1,017,600 visitors,
visitor experience Sanctuary and three female a 9% increase on the number of visitors
elephants arrive from Thailand. last year.
Zoo Twilights is reinvigorated. • Over 95% of visitors surveyed rank
the overall zoo experience highly.
• 91% recognize the zoo’s active
role in wildlife conservation.
• 91% laud the zoo’s high standard
of care of the animals.
HS transforms its entry precinct
with a sculpture by Julie Squires
of Bunjil the Wedge-tailed
Eagle. ‘Devil’s Playground’, a new
home for our Tasmanian Devils
is opened.
WORZ opens the Kubu River
Hippos exhibit and introduces new
tour ‘Tall Order Giraffe Encounters’.
The Volcanic Plains walking trail
is extended and brings visitors
closer to animals.
• More than 304,600 people visit HS, the
highest attendance in five years.
• Over 96% of visitors surveyed rank the
overall zoo experience highly.
• 96% recognize the zoo’s active role in
wildlife conservation.
• 96% laud the zoo’s high standard
of care of the animals.
• WORZ is enjoyed by over 266,400 visitors,
4.5% more than the year before.
• Slumber Safaris at WORZ wins the Victorian
Tourism Award for Unique Accommodation
for the third year and enters the Victorian
Tourism Hall of Fame.
• Kubu River Hippos exhibit wins the ASZK
Exhibit Award.
• Kubu River Hippos exhibit wins the
ARAZPA Significant Exhibit Award 2007
• WORZ wins the Australian Travel
and Tourism Award for Best Family
Focused Attraction awarded by
The Australian newspaper.
Provide active discovery Education is taken out of the • ZV remains one of the state’s largest
and lifelong learning classroom. Programs developed non-school educators with more than
which connect people with
160,000 students participating in a diverse
wildlife and produce meaningful range of dynamic educational programs.
conservation outcomes.
• An additional 9,000 students, teachers and
members of the community participate in
other activities and learning programs.
• ‘Trees Paws and Claws’ wins the ARAZPA
Education Award 2007.
• Teenagers flock to the ‘Vet for a Day’ program
and the school holiday ‘Zoo Adventures’ program.
32 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITY CONTINUED
Actions Results
Undertake and lead ZV participates in 8 national • A comprehensive research strategy
conservation and research and 5 international conservation completed, and 12 priority research
programs programs, assisting other projects commenced.
programs through funding
• ZV helps establish an Australasian Zoos’
and grants.
Field Conservation Committee Taskforce
to develop a structured and strategic
approach in the region.
• Tenkile Conservation Program wins the
ARAZPA In Situ Conservation Award 2007.
• HS acquires 18 Tasmanian Devils as part of
a joint conservation initiative to address
the devastating Devil Facial Disease.
Secure community Visitors and the community • Chairman of the ZV Foundation is
participation and support support ZV and are involved appointed and members are being recruited.
with its vision and purpose.
• $1.6 million in contributions received
from the community.
• More than 61,008 members of
Friends of the Zoos (FOTZ) support ZV.
• Over 700 FOTZ guides and volunteers donate
more than 71,000 hours of support activities.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Ensure financial An operating contribution • In the 06/07 financial year, revenue increases
sustainability to reinvest in business. over the preceding year.
• Total operating expenditure kept within budget.
• $2.0 million spent on asset renewal and
business development.
OUR PEOPLE
Develop productive A talent pool for succession • A succession plan developed with high
workforce and in all key roles. potential employees undertaking a ZV leadership
work environment
development program.
Zero Harm, Zero Injury
• A safety team structure instituted and safety
culture promoted.
interaction training completed.
SYSTEMS AND ASSETS
Provide effective and Upgrades to business systems. • A new Finance and Retail business system
sustainable management
developed and implemented.
systems responsive to a MZ opens state of the art water • Close to 5,000 kilolitres of water collected from
dynamic environment treatment plant. storm water, animal pool changeover water
and lake discharge is treated.

Facts and figures
Zoos Victoria Land coverage Number of Animals Number of Species
(Hectares) (approx) (approx)
MZ 22.0 2,752+ 265
HS 31.5 1,282 180
Corranderk Reserve 43 – –
WORZ 200.0 378 56
Total 296.5 4,412+ 501 *
* Total number of species at the three campuses includes duplications, ie: some species are held at more
than one campus. Discounting duplication, total number of species is 404.
Visitor numbers
Details Melbourne Healesville Werribee Total
‘000 ‘000 ‘000 ‘000
Zoo General Visitation * 1,017.7 304.7 266.4 1,588.8
After Hours Catering Function Visitation 39.0 1.6 7.2 47.8
Zoo Programs/ Activities 11.2 0 11.8 23.0
Total Visitation 1,067.9 306.3 285.4 1,659.6
* includes Schools Visitation 101.1 32.2 27.4 160.6
Online ‘unique’ visitors 927
34 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/2007

To read the complete 2006-07 Financial Report for Zoos Victoria please visit www.zoo.org.au
and click on the Zoos Victoria icon
Financial summary
5 Year Financial Summary
2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04 2002-03
$ 000 $ 000 $ 000 $ 000 $ 000
Recurrent
Parks and Reserve Trust Fund 9,086 10,364 10,148 9,559 7,815
Revenue Zoo Activities 34,113 30,905 30,108 29,220 24,815
Total Income 43,199 41,269 40,256 38,779 32,630
Total Depreciation 4,301 3,583 3,371 2,897 2,657
Total Operating Expenses 39,353 36,779 34,452 33,221 32,199
Total Expenses 43,654 40,362 37,823 36,118 34,856
Net Result for the period (455) 907 2,433 2,661 (2,226)
Assets, Liabilities and Equity
Total Assets 182,763 176,970 156,767 140,801 106,691
Total Liabilities 9,489 10,894 9,235 7,702 9,421
Total Equity 173,274 166,076 147,532 133,099 97,270
Capital Contributions
Capital Grants Received 2,000 16,000 12,000 4,000 6,050

DISCLOSURE INDEX
The Annual Report of Zoos Victoria is prepared in accordance with all relevant Victorian legislation. This index has been
prepared to facilitate identification of the Department’s compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.
Clause Disclosure Annual Review Financial Report
Page Page
Report of Operations
22 Manner and establishment and the relevant Ministers 27
22 Objectives, functions, powers and duties 27, 28
22 Nature and range of services provided 2-4
22 Organisational structures, names and functional areas of
responsibility of senior officers 26
22 Names of Board members 28 28
Financial and other information
22 Statement of workforce data and previous financial year 33
22 Merit and equity 33
15 Executive officer disclosures 32
22 5 year summary of the financial results 35
22 Significant changes in financial position during the year 30
22 Objectives and performance against objectives 32
22 Major changes or factors affecting performance 32
22 Subsequent events which will affect operations in future years 30
22 Details of consultancies > $100,000 and total No. and cost < $100,000 30
12 Disclosure of major contracts 30
22 Application and operation of FOI Act 1982 31
22 Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 31
22 Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of Building Act 1993 32
22 Statement on NCP 32
22 OHS 33
10 Disclosure index 35 36
22 Statement of availability of other information 30

Contact details
Zoos Victoria
PO Box 74
Parkville Victoria 3052
Elliott Avenue
Parkville Victoria 3052
Telephone: +61 3 9285 9300
Facsimile: +61 3 9285 9330
www.zoo.org.au
Melbourne Zoo
PO Box 74
Parkville Victoria 3052
Elliott Avenue
Parkville Victoria 3052
Telephone: +61 3 9285 9300
Facsimile +61 3 9285 9330
www.zoo.org.au
Healesville Sanctuary
PO Box 248
Healesville Victoria 3777
Badger Creek Road
Healesville Victoria 3777
Telephone: +61 3 5957 2800
Facsimile: +61 3 5957 2870
www.zoo.org.au
Werribee Open Range Zoo
PO Box 460
Werribee Victoria 3030
K Road Werribee Victoria 3030
Telephone: +61 3 9731 9600
Facsimile: +61 3 9731 9644
www.zoo.org.au
Credits
Design Italic Studio
Copywriting Helen Wayland
Photography
Damian Goodall
Matt West
Zoos Victoria Photographic Collection
The Age – Penny Stephens, Craig Abrahams
and Andrew De La Rue
Yarra Ranges Journal – Julie Bowyer
Rove McManus Management
Special thanks to David Blumenthal c/o Italic Studio

WWW.ZOO.ORG.AU

ZOOS
VICTORIA
FINANCIAL REPORT 2006/2007
MELBOURNE ZOO
HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY
WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO

2 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

ACCOUNTABLE OFFICER’S AND
CHIEF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING
OFFICER’S DECLARATION
We certify that the attached financial statements for the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
have been prepared in accordance with Standing Direction 4.2 of the Financial Management Act 1994,
applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian accounting standards and other mandatory
professional reporting requirements.
We further state that, in our opinion, the information set out in the Operating Statement, Balance Sheet,
Statement of Recognised Income and Expense, Cash Flow Statement and notes to and forming part
of the financial statements, presents fairly the financial transactions during the year ended 30 June 2007
and financial position of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board as at 30 June 2007.
We are not aware of any circumstance which would render any particulars included in the financial
statements to be misleading or inaccurate.
Andrew E J Fairley
Chairman
Laura Mumaw
Chief Executive Officer
Lawrence Tai
Chief Financial Officer
Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
6 September 2007

Operating statement
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
Note 2007 2006
$’000 $’000
Income
Revenue 1(a),2(a) 30,389 25,956
Government grants 2(b) 10,495 11,384
Other income 2(c) 2,315 3,929
Total Income 43,199 41,269
Expenses
Employee benefits expense 1(b),2(d) (24,056) (22,927)
Supplies and services 2(e) (12,731) (11,432)
Depreciation and amortisation 1(d),1(e),2(f) (4,301) (3,583)
Other expenses 2(g) (2,492) (2,332)
Finance costs 1(f),2(h) (74) (88)
Total expenses (43,654) (40,362)
Net result for the period (455) 907
The above operating statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
4 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

Balance sheet
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
Note 2007 2006
$’000 $’000
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 1(j),17(d) 21,565 19,625
Receivables 1(k),4,17(d) 1,032 1,692
Inventories 1(l) 611 511
Prepayments 190 335
Total current assets 23,398 22,163
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Available-for-sale investments 1(i),5,17(d) 1,428 1,155
Property, plant and equipment 1(n),6 157,236 153,392
Intangible assets 1(m),7 179 -
Defined benefit plan asset 1(c),8 522 260
Total non-current assets 159,365 154,807
TOTAL ASSETS 182,763 176,970
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables 1(r),9,17(d) 1,788 3,319
Interest-bearing liabilities 1(s),10,17(d) 579 571
Provisions 1(b),11 5,624 5,608
Total current liabilities 7,991 9,498
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Interest-bearing liabilities 1(s),10,17(d) 717 890
Provisions 1(b),11 781 506
Total non-current liabilities 1,498 1,396
TOTAL LIABILITIES 9,489 10,894
NET ASSETS 173,274 166,076
EQUITY
Contributed capital 1(h),12(a) 83,953 81,953
Reserves 12(b) 79,116 73,463
Accumulated surplus 12(c) 10,205 10,660
TOTAL EQUITY 173,274 166,076
The above balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Statement of recognised income and expense
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
Note 2007 2006
$’000 $’000
Net gain/(loss) on revaluation of land and buildings 12(b) 5,430 (266)
Net gain on available-for-sale investments taken to equity 12(b) 223 59
Net income/(loss) recognised directly in equity 5,653 (207)
Net result for the period 12(c) (455) 907
Total recognised income and expense for the period 5,198 700
The above statement of recognised income and expense should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying notes.
6 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

Cash flow statement
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
Note 2007 2006
$’000 $’000
Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from admission 19,911 17,156
Receipts from sale of goods 5,195 4,336
Receipts from donations, grants & subsidies 13,673 15,223
Receipts from other sources 5,556 4,240
Interest received 1,176 988
Investment income received 81 38
Payments to suppliers (17,220) (15,267)
Payments to employees (24,078) (22,809)
Interest and other costs of finance paid (74) (88)
Net cash flows from operating activities 16(b) 4,220 3,817
Cash flows from investing activities
Payment for investment (50) (34)
Payment for Property, Plant & Equipment (3,496) (20,113)
Proceeds from Sale of Plant & Equipment 113 57
Payment for intangible assets (192) -
Net cash used in investing activities (3,625) (20,090)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from capital contribution by State Government 2,000 16,000
Repayment of borrowings (286) (270)
Repayment of finance leases & hire purchase (369) (172)
Net cash flows from financing activities 1,345 15,558
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,940 (715)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 19,625 20,340
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 16(a) 21,565 19,625
The above cash flow statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Notes to the financial statements
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
1 Summary of significant accounting policies
Statement of compliance
The financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared on an accrual basis
in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Australian Accounting Standards,
Interpretations and other mandatory professional requirements. Accounting Standards include Australian
equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (A-IFRS).
The financial report was authorised for issue by L Tai (Chief Finance and Accounting Officer –Zoological Parks and
Gardens Board) on 6 September 2007.
Basis of Preparation
The financial report has been prepared on an historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain noncurrent
assets and financial instruments. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange
for assets.
In the application of A-IFRS management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about
carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and
associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstance, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments. Actual results
may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates
are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period
or in the period of the revision, and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Judgments made by management in the application of A-IFRS that have significant effects on the financial
statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustments in the next year are disclosed
throughout the notes in the financial statements.
Selection and application of accounting policies
Accounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which ensures that the resulting financial information
satisfies the concepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that the substance of the underlying
transactions or other events is reported.
The accounting policies set out below have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the year ended
30 June 2007 and the comparative information presented for the year ended 30 June 2006.
(a) Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Board and
the revenue can be reliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before
revenue is recognised:
(i) Sale of goods
Revenue is recognised at the point of sale when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the
goods have passed to the buyer and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can
be measured reliably.
(ii) Rendering of services
Revenue from rendering of services is recognised when the services are rendered.
(iii) Grants and donations
Government Grants, donations, sponsorship and other contributions are recognised as revenues when they
are received or there is reasonable assurance that they will be received and all attaching conditions will be
complied with.
8 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

1 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d)
(iv) Interest revenue
Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues, taking into account the effective yield on the financial asset.
(v) Dividend revenue
Dividend revenue is recognised on a receivable basis.
(b) Employee benefits
Employee benefits include all costs related to employment including wages and salaries, leave entitlements,
redundancy payments and superannuation contributions. These are recognised when incurred.
Provision is made for benefits accruing to employees in respect of wages and salaries, annual leave, long
service leave, and sick leave when it is probable that settlement will be required and they are capable of being
measured reliably.
Provisions made in respect of employee benefits expected to be settled within 12 months, are measured at their
nominal values using the remuneration rate expected to apply at the time of settlement and are recognised as
current liabilities.
Provisions made in respect of employee benefits which are not expected to be settled within 12 months are
measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made by the Board in respect of
services provided by employees up to reporting date. These provisions are recognised as non-current liabilities.
(c) Superannuation
(i) Defined contribution plans
Contributions to defined contribution superannuation plans are expensed when incurred.
(ii) Defined Benefits Plans
State defined benefit plan
The amount charged to the operating statement in respect of the State’s defined benefit plan superannuation
represents the contributions made by the Board to the superannuation plan in respect to the current services of
current Board staff. Superannuation contributions are made to the plan based on the relevant rules of the plan.
The Board does not recognise any defined benefit liability in respect of the superannuation plan because the
Board has no legal or constructive obligation to pay future benefits relating to its employees; its only obligation
is to pay superannuation contributions as they fall due. The Department of Treasury and Finance administers
and discloses the State’s defined benefit liabilities in its financial report.
Other defined benefit plan
A liability or asset in respect of defined benefit superannuation plan other than the State’s defined benefit plan
is recognised in the provision for employee benefits, and is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method,
with actuarial valuations being carried out at each reporting date. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in
full in the operating statement in the period in which they occur.
Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested and otherwise
is amortised on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested.
The defined benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined
benefit obligation, adjusted for unrecognised past service cost, net of the fair value of the plan assets. Any asset
resulting from the calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and
reductions in future contributions to the plan.

Notes to the financial statements
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
1 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d)
(d) Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on property, plant and equipment, including buildings but excluding land.
Depreciation is generally calculated on a straight-line basis so as to write off the net cost or other revalued
amount of each asset over its expected useful life. The estimated useful lives and depreciation method are
reviewed at the end of each annual reporting period.
(e) Amortisation
Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortised on a straight-line basis over the asset’s useful life.
Amortisation begins when the asset is available for use, that is, when it is in the location and condition
necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. The amortisation period
and the amortisation method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at least at the end
of each annual reporting period.
(f) Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. Borrowing costs
include interest on bank overdrafts and short-term and long-term borrowings, and finance lease and hire
purchase charges.
(g) Research expenditure
Expenditure on research activities is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.
(h) Contributed capital
Consistent with UIG Interpretation 1038 Contributions by Owners made to Wholly-Owned Public Sector
Entities, appropriations or transfers that are in the nature of contributions for additions to net assets are
recognised as contributed capital.
(i)
Available-for-sale financial assets
Investments are recognised and derecognised on trade date where purchase or sale of an investment is under
a contract which terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market
concerned, and are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs.
The Board classifies the investments it held as available-for-sale financial assets and they are stated at fair
value. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised directly in equity until the investment
is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised
in equity is included in profit or loss for the period.
(j)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and at bank and short-term deposits with an original
maturity of three months or less.
(k) Receivables
All debtors are recognised at the amount receivable, as they are due for settlement at no more than 30 days
from the date of recognition.
Collectability of debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. An allowance for doubtful debts is made when there is
objective evidence that the Board will not be able to collect the debts. Bad debts are written off when identified.
10 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

1 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d)
(l)
Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Inventories are comprised entirely of
finished goods. Costs are assigned to individual items of inventory using the first in first out valuation method
and include expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing condition
and location. Net realisable value is determined on the basis of normal selling patterns.
(m) Intangible assets
Intangible assets represent identifiable non-monetary assets without physical substance.
Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. Subsequently, intangible assets with finite useful lives are
carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs incurred subsequent
to initial acquisition are capitalised when it is expected that additional future economic benefits will flow
to the Board.
(n) Property, Plant and Equipment
Plant, equipment and vehicles are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment.
Land and buildings are measured at fair value less accumulated depreciation on buildings and less any
impairment losses recognised after the date of the revaluation.
The cost of property, plant and equipment constructed by the organisation includes the cost of materials
and direct labour.
(o) Impairment of assets
The carrying amounts of non-current assets, with the exception of available-for-sale assets and defined benefit
plan asset, are assessed annually for indications of impairment. If there is an indication of impairment, the
assets concerned are tested as to whether their carrying value exceeds their recoverable amount. Where an
asset’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, the difference is written off by a charge to the operating
statement except to the extent that the write-down can be debited to an asset revaluation reserve amount
applicable to that class of asset.
The recoverable amount for most assets is measured at the higher of depreciated replacement cost and fair
value less costs to sell. Recoverable amount for assets held primarily to generate net cash inflows is measured
at the higher of the present value of future cash flows expected to be obtained from the asset and fair value less
costs to sell. It is deemed that, in the event of the loss of an asset, the future economic benefits arising from the
use of the asset will be replaced unless a specific decision to the contrary has been made.
(p) Revaluation of non-current assets
Non-current physical assets measured at fair value are revalued in accordance with FRD103B. This revaluation
process normally occurs every five years, based upon the asset’s Government Purpose Classification. Revaluation
increments or decrements arise from differences between carrying value and fair value.
Land controlled by the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board is measured at fair value with regard to the land’s
highest and best use after due consideration is made for legal and/or constructive restrictions imposed on the
land. These restrictions, whereby the land has been reserved, have been assessed by the valuer as reducing the
land value for zoning and overlay by 45% for both Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary, and 60%
for Melbourne Zoo due to an additional allowance for the iconic nature of the site.
Revaluation increments are credited directly to equity in the revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent that
an increment reverses a revaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset previously recognised as an
expense in the net result, the increment is recognised as income in determining the net result.

Notes to the financial statements
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
1 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d)
Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as expenses in the net result, except that, to the extent
that a credit balance exists in the revaluation reserve in respect of the same class of assets, they are debited
to the revaluation reserve.
Revaluation increases and revaluation decreases relating to individual assets within a class of property,
plant and equipment are offset against one another within that class but are not offset in respect of assets
in different classes.
Revaluation reserves are not transferred to accumulated surplus on de-recognition of the relevant asset.
(q) Leased non-current assets
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks
and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Board at their fair value or, if lower,
at the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease.
The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation.
Minimum lease payments are allocated between the principal component of the lease liability, and the interest
expense calculated using the interest rate implicit in the lease, and charged directly to the operating statement.
Finance lease assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term
of the lease.
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except
where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern of the benefits derived from the
use of the leased asset.
(r) Payables
Payables are recognised when the Board becomes obliged to make future payments resulting from the
purchase of goods and services.
(s) Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities are recorded initially at fair value, net of transaction costs.
Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing liabilities are measured at amortised cost with any difference
between the initial recognised amount and the redemption value being recognised in profit and loss over the
period of the interest bearing liability using the effective interest rate method.
(t)
Goods and services tax
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where
the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In these circumstances
the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense.
Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included.
The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included as part of receivables or payables.
Cash flows are included in the cash flow statement on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising
from investing and financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO are classified as
operating cash flows.
(u) Rounding of amounts
Amounts in the financial report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise stated.
12 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

2007 2006
$’000 $’000
2 Revenues and expenses
(a) Revenue
Sale of goods 4,724 3,931
Rendering of services 24,389 21,004
Interest on deposits 1,195 983
Income from investments 81 38
30,389 25,956
(b) Government grants
Recurrent 9,086 10,364
Other 1,409 1,020
10,495 11,384
(c) Other income
Sponsorship and donations 2,100 3,549
Net (loss)/gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment (25) (15)
Other 240 395
2,315 3,929
(d) Employee benefits expense
Salary and wages 18,791 17,905
Payroll tax and Workcover 1,618 1,613
Superannuation 1,740 1,589
Defined benefit plan (income)/ expense (note 8) (262) (51)
Annual leave and long service leave provision 2,169 1,871
24,056 22,927
(e) Supplies and services
Purchase of supplies and consumables 2,356 2,195
Purchase of services 8,415 7,787
Maintenance 1,960 1,450
12,731 11,432
(f) Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation of non-current assets 4,288 3,583
Amortisation of non-current assets 13 -
4,301 3,583
(g) Other expenses
Cost of goods sold 2,151 1,872
Inventories written down 17 84
Operating lease rental expense 153 221
Other 171 155
2,492 2,332
(h) Finance costs
Interest on loans 45 58
Finance charges payable under finance leases and hire purchase contract
29 30
74 88

Notes to the financial statements
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
2007 2006
$’000 $’000
3 Remuneration of auditors
Victorian Auditor General’s Office
Audit or review of the financial report 28 26
28 26
4 Receivables
Trade and other receivables (i) 1,032 1,692
(i) The average credit period on sales of goods and services is 7-14 days. No interest is normally charged on trade
and other receivables. An allowance for doubtful debts is made only when there is objective evidence that the
receivable amount is impaired.
5 Available-for-sale investments
At fair value:
Shares – listed (i) 1,217 982
Wildlife Conservation Foundation Fund (ii) 211 173
1,428 1,155
(i) The listed shares were gifted to the Board under a bequest arrangement.
(ii) The Wildlife Conservation Foundation Fund is invested in the ANZ Trustees
Balanced Charitable Common Fund.
6 Property, plant & equipment
Land at fair value:
2004 valuation - 60,550
2006 valuation - 1,225
2007 valuation 67,204 -
67,204 61,775
Capital improvements:
At fair value (2004 valuation) - 63,463
At fair value (2006 valuation) - 200
At fair value (2007 valuation) 84,871 -
At cost - 11,869
84,871 75,532
Less: Accumulated depreciation - (5,731)
84,871 69,801
Total land & capital improvements 152,075 131,576
Plant, equipment and vehicles at cost 9,345 8,824
Less: Accumulated Depreciation (5,706) (5,098)
Total plant, equipment and vehicles 3,639 3,726
14 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

2007 2006
$’000 $’000
6 Property, plant & equipment (cont’d)
Vehicles under Finance Lease at cost 862 564
Less: Accumulated Depreciation (178) (79)
Total vehicles under finance lease 684 485
Capital Improvements in progress – at cost 838 17,605
Total fixed assets at net book value 157,236 153,392
Reconciliations
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment are set out below:
2007 2006
$’000 $’000
Land
Carrying amount at beginning of year 61,775 60,550
Additions - 674
Revaluation increments 5,429 551
Carrying amount at end of year 67,204 61,775
Capital improvements
Carrying amount at beginning of year 69,801 61,709
Additions 112 1,668
Transfer from capital works in progress 18,439 10,161
Revaluation increments/(decrements) 1 (817)
Depreciation (3,482) (2,920)
Carrying amount at end of year 84,871 69,801
Plant, equipment and vehicles
Carrying amount at beginning of year 3,726 2,507
Additions 533 503
Transfer from capital works in progress 34 1,309
Depreciation (654) (593)
Carrying amount at end of year 3,639 3,726
Vehicles under Finance Lease (at cost)
Carrying amount at beginning of year 485 295
Additions 489 332
Disposals (138) (71)
Depreciation (152) (71)
Carrying amount at end of year 684 485
Capital Improvements in Progress
Carrying amount at beginning of year 17,605 9,518
Additions 1,706 19,557
Transfer to Capital Improvements, Plant & Equipment (18,473) (11,470)
Carrying amount at end of year 838 17,605
An independent valuation of the Board’s land and buildings was performed by Matheson Stephen Valuations
Australia Pty Ltd to determine the fair value of the land and buildings. The basis of valuation is the market value
for the existing use which is based on the replacement cost of each asset’s remaining future service life and
thus approximates its fair value. The valuation was based on independent assessments. The effective date
of the valuation is 30 June 2007.

Notes to the financial statements
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
2007 2006
$’000 $’000
7 Intangible assets
Gross carrying amount 192 -
Less: Accumulated amortisation (13) -
Net book value at end of year 179 -
The Board has capitalised software expenditure relating to the acquisition of major financial and operational
systems in the current financial period. The carrying amount of $192,000 will be fully amortised in 10 years.
8 Defined benefit plan asset
The Board contributes to a defined benefit superannuation plan, which is a sub-plan of the Mercer Super Trust.
Contributions to the plan are made at actuarially determined amounts advised by the managers of the plan.
The following tables summarise the components of net benefit (income)/expense recognised in the operating
statement and the funded status and amounts recognised in the balance sheet:
2007 2006
$’000 $’000
Net benefit expense
Current service cost 68 72
Interest cost on benefit obligation 61 58
Expected return on plan assets (89) (96)
Actuarial (gains) / losses (248) (85)
Past service cost - -
Net (income) / expense recognised in the operating statement (208) (51)
Benefit asset included in the balance sheet
Present value of defined benefit obligation 1,153 1,246
Fair value of plan assets (1,675) (1,506)
Net benefit asset – non-current (522) (260)
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:
Opening defined benefit obligation 1,246 1,333
Interest cost 61 58
Current service cost 68 72
Contribution by plan participants 26 24
Benefit & expenses paid (104) (231)
Actuarial (gains) / losses on obligation (144) (10)
Closing defined benefit obligation 1,153 1,246
16 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

2007 2006
$’000 $’000
8 Defined benefit plan asset (cont’d)
Changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:
Opening fair value of plan assets 1,506 1,486
Expected return 89 96
Contribution by employer 54 56
Contribution by plan participants 26 24
Benefits paid (104) (231)
Actuarial (gains) / losses 104 75
Closing fair value of plan assets 1,675 1,506
The fair value of plan assets includes no amounts relating to any of the Board’s
own financial instruments or any property occupied by, or other assets used by, the Board.
The major categories of plan assets as a percentage of the fair value of total plan assets are as follows:
30 June 31 May
2007 2006
% %
Australian equities 33 33
International equities 21 19
Fixed interest securities 22 23
Property 6 8
Cash 18 17
The expected return on assets assumption is determined by weighting the expected long-term return for each
asset class by the target allocation of assets to each class, and allowing for the correlations of the investment
returns between asset classes. The returns used for each class are net of investment tax and investment fees.
Actual return on plan assets
2007 2006
$’000 $’000
Actual return on plan assets 193 171
The history of experience adjustments is as follows:
Experience adjustments loss/(gain) on plan liabilities (5) 49
Experience adjustments (gain) on plan assets (104) (75)
Actuarial assumptions
The principal actuarial assumptions used in determining pension obligations for the plan are shown below:
2007 2006
Discount rate 5.3% pa 4.9% pa
Expected rate of return on assets 6.3% pa 6.0% pa
Future salary increases 3.0% pa 4.0% pa
Summary of the most recent financial position of the Zoological Board of Victoria Superannuation Plan
calculated in accordance with AAS25 ‘Financial Reporting by Superannuation Plans’:

Notes to the financial statements
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
8 Defined benefit plan asset (cont’d)
As at
1 July 2005
$’000
Accrued benefits 1,446
Net market value of plan assets (1,493)
(Surplus) of net market value of plan assets over accrued benefits (47)
Employer’s contributions to the Board’s defined benefit plan are based on recommendations by the plan’s
actuary. Comprehensive actuarial valuations are made at no more than three yearly intervals, and the last such
assessment was made as at 1 July 2005.
The objective of the valuation is to ensure that the benefit entitlements of employees are fully funded by the
time they become payable. To achieve this objective, the actuary has used the Target Funding method, which
entails the employer contribution rate being set at a level such that the Plan’s assets are expected to exceed the
Plan’s liabilities by a specified margin within a specified period of time.
Using the funding method described above and the above-mentioned actuarial assumptions as to the plan’s
future experience, the plan’s actuary has not recommended that additional contribution beyond the current
contribution level be made.
9 Payables
2007 2006
$’000 $’000
Trade and other payables(i) 1,438 3,096
Deferred revenue 350 223
1,788 3,319
(i)
Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on 30-day terms.
10 Interest-bearing liabilities
Current
Secured:
At amortised cost
Loan from State Government (i) 53 50
Loan from Treasury Corporation (i) 250 236
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contract (ii) (Note 13) 276 285
579 571
Non-current
Secured:
At amortised cost
Loan from State Government 194 247
Loan from Treasury Corporation 108 358
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contract (ii) (Note 13) 415 285
717 890
1,296 1,461
(i) Secured by State Government Guarantee
(ii) Secured by the assets leased
18 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

2007 2006
$’000 $’000
11 Provisions
Employee benefits (note 11a)
Current 5,624 5,608
Non-current 781 506
6,405 6,114
(a) Employee benefits
Current employee benefits
Annual leave entitlements 3,037 2,836
Unconditional long service leave entitlements 2,587 2,772
5,624 5,608
Current employee benefits that:
Are expected to be utilised within 12 months after the end of the reporting period 1,777 1,695
Are expected to be utilised more than 12 months after the end of the reporting period 3,847 3,913
5,624 5,608
Non-current
Conditional long service leave entitlements 781 506
Total employee benefits 6,405 6,114
12 Equity and reserves
(a) Contributed capital
Balance at beginning of financial year 81,953 64,262
Capital Contribution during the year by Victorian State Government 2,000 16,000
Net capital contribution from transfer of assets from other
State Government agencies - 1,691
Balance at end of financial year 83,953 81,953
(b) Reserves
Asset revaluation 78,834 73,404
Available-for-sale revaluation 282 59
79,116 73,463
Asset revaluation reserve:
Balance at beginning of financial year 73,404 73,670
Revaluation increments/(decrements) 5,430 (266)
Balance at end of financial year 78,834 73,404
The asset revaluation reserve arises on the revaluation of land and buildings.
Available-for-sale revaluation reserve:
Balance at beginning of financial year 59 -
Valuation gain/(loss)recognised 223 59
Balance at end of financial year 282 59
The available-for-sale revaluation reserve arises on the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets.
Where a revalued financial asset is sold that portion of the reserve which relates to that financial asset, and is
effectively realised, is recognised in profit and loss. Where a revalued financial asset is impaired that portion of
the reserve which relates to that financial asset is recognised in profit and loss.

Notes to the financial statements
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
2007 2006
$’000 $’000
12 Equity and reserves (cont’d)
(c) Accumulated surplus
Balance at beginning of financial year 10,660 9,753
Net result (455) 907
Balance at end of financial year 10,205 10,660
13 Commitments for expenditure
(a) Capital expenditure commitments
Property, plant and equipment Not longer than 1 year 1,781 181
(b) Operating lease commitments
Operating leases relate to office equipment and motor vehicle with lease terms of between 4 to 6 years.
The Board does not have an option to purchase the leased asset at the expiry of the lease period.
Non-cancellable operating leases
Not longer than 1 year 82 89
Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years 150 31
232 120
(c) Finance leases commitments
Finance leases relates to motor vehicle with lease terms of 3 years.
The Board has options to purchase the assets for a nominal amount at the conclusion of the lease.
Minimum future
Present value of minimum
lease payments
future lease payments
2007 2006 2007 2006
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Not longer than 1 year 311 312 276 285
Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years 438 303 415 285
Total minimum lease payments 749 615 691 570
Less future finance charges (58) (45) - -
Present value of minimum lease payments 691 570 691 570
Included in the financial statements as:
Current interest bearing liabilities (note 10) 276 285
Non-current interest bearing liabilities (note 10) 415 285
691 570
20 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

14 Contingent liabilities and contingent assets
The Board does not have any contingent liabilities and contingent assets as at the end of the financial year.
15 Responsible persons
In accordance with the Ministerial Directions issued by the Minister for Finance under the Financial
Management Act 1994, the following disclosures are made regarding responsible persons for the reporting
period.
Responsible Minister
The Hon. John Thwaites (The Hon. Gavin Jennings, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, became the
responsible Minister on 3 August 2007)
Responsible Persons
The names of persons who are Responsible Persons at any time during the financial year are:
Governing Board
Current Members:
Appointed 17 April 2007:
Re-appointed 17 April 2007:
Outgoing Members (term ceased 29 April 2007):
Accountable Officer
Mr A Vizard, Ms D Gilmour, Mr N Whitby, Ms P Sanderson
Mr A Fairley, Ms G Hamilton
Ms J Stephenson, Mr R Kirby
Ms T McMeckan, Ms L Watts
Ms L Mumaw, Chief Executive Officer
Remuneration of Responsible Persons
The numbers of Responsible Persons are shown below in their relevant income bands:
2007 2006
Number Number
Income range:
$0 to $9,999 9 3
$10,000 to $19,999 1 5
$240,000 to $249,999 1 1
2007 2006
$’000 $’000
Remuneration other than retirement benefits
Total remuneration received, or due and receivable by Responsible Persons from the reporting entity.
322 335
Retirement benefits
Total retirement benefits received or due and receivable by Responsible Persons
from the reporting entity. - -
Other transactions of Responsible Persons
Other related party transactions requiring disclosure under the Directions of the Minister for Finance have been
considered and there are no matters to report.

Notes to the financial statements
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
15 Responsible persons (cont’d)
Executive Officers Remuneration
The number of executive officers, other than responsible persons included under ‘Remuneration of Responsible
Persons’ above, whose total remuneration exceeded $100,000 during the reporting period are shown below in
their relevant income bands:
Income Band
Total Remuneration
2007 2006
No.
No.
$120,000 to $129,999 1 2
$130,000 to $139,999 1 -
$140,000 to $149,999 3 4
$160,000 to $169,999 2 -
Total numbers 7 6
Total amount ($’000) 1,029 808
16 Notes to cash flow statement
2007 2006
$’000 $’000
(a) Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of the Cash Flow Statement, cash includes cash on hand and at bank, and short-term deposits,
net of outstanding bank overdrafts. Cash as at the end of financial year as shown in the Cash Flow Statement is
reconciled to the related items in the balance sheet as follows:-
Cash on Hand and at Bank 1,865 2,625
Short Term Deposit at Call 14,700 12,000
Term deposit 5,000 5,000
Total Cash 21,565 19,625
(b) Reconciliation of net result for the period to net cash flows from operating activities
Net result for the period (455) 907
Depreciation and amortisation 4,301 3,583
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 25 15
Resources received free of charge - (917)
Changes in net assets and liabilities
(Increase)/decrease in inventories (100) 257
Decrease/(increase) in receivables 449 (772)
Decrease /(increase) in prepayments 271 (234)
(Increase) in defined benefit asset (262) (107)
Increase/(decrease)in payables (428) 659
Increase in deferred revenue 127 96
Increase in provisions 292 330
Net cash from operating activities 4,220 3,817
(c) Non-cash financing and investing activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment under finance leases during the reporting period amounted to
$489,000 (2006: $435,000).
22 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

17 Financial instruments
(a) Financial risk management objectives
The Board’s principal financial instruments comprise interest-bearing loans, finance leases and cash and
short-term deposits. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to finance the acquisition of capital
assets and the day-to-day operations. The Board has various other financial assets and liabilities such as
trade receivables and trade payables, which arise directly from its operation.
It is the Board’s policy that no trading in financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, shall
be undertaken. The main risks arising from the Board’s financial instruments are interest rate risk and credit
risk. The policies for managing these risks are discussed in more detail below.
(b) Significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the
basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of
financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 1 to the financial statements.
(c) Significant terms and conditions
Financial assets
Receivables are carried at the nominal amounts due less any allowance for doubtful debts, when there is
objective evidence that the receivable amount is impaired. Credit sales are normally on 7-14 day terms.
Interest-bearing deposits are carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Interest revenue is brought
into account as it is earned. All interest-bearing deposits have a maturity of less than 120 days.
Financial Liabilities
Payables are recognised for future amounts to be paid in respect of goods and services received, whether
or not billed to the Board. Settlement of creditors is normally within a 30-day term.
Interest-bearing liabilities are carried at amortised costs. Interest is charged as an expense as it is incurred.
All loans are secured by way of a charge over the Board’s revenue and by State Government Guarantees.

Notes to the financial statements
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
17 Financial instruments (cont’d)
(d) Interest rate risk
The following table sets out the carrying amount, by maturity, of the financial instruments
exposed to interest rate risk:
Year ended 30 June 2007 Weighted Less than 1-2 years 2-3 years 3-4 years 4-5years 5+ years Total
average 1 year
effective
interest
rate
FINANCIAL ASSETS
Non-interest bearing
% $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Receivables 1,032 1,032
Available-for-sale investment 1,217 211 1,428
Variable interest rate
Cash 6.57 21,565 21,565
TOTAL 23,814 211 24,025
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Non-interest bearing
Payables 1,788 1,788
Fixed interest rate
Lease liabilities 6.47 276 232 183 691
Loans 5.69 303 164 58 61 19 605
TOTAL 2,367 396 241 61 19 - 3,084
Year ended 30 June 2006 Weighted Less than 1-2 years 2-3 years 3-4 years 4-5years 5+ years Total
average 1 year
effective
interest
rate
FINANCIAL ASSETS
Non-interest bearing
% $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Receivables 1,692 1,692
Available-for-sale investment 1,155 1,155
Variable interest rate
Cash 5.86 19,625 19,625
TOTAL 21,317 1,155 22,472
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Non-interest bearing
Payables 3,319 3,319
Fixed interest rate
Lease and hire
purchase liabilities 6.39 285 143 142 570
Loans 5.68 286 303 164 58 61 19 891
TOTAL 3,890 446 306 58 61 19 4,780
24 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

17 Financial instruments (cont’d)
(e) Credit risk
The Board’s maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date for each class of recognised financial assets is
the carrying amount of those assets as disclosed in the statement of financial position. The Board minimises
concentrations of credit risk by undertaking transactions with a large number of customers and counter parties.
It is the Board’s policy that all customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification
procedures. In addition, receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Board’s
exposure to bad debts is not significant.
The Board is not materially exposed to any customer or counter party.
(f) Fair value
The available-for-sale investments held by the Board have been valued at market value at balance date. For other
financial assets and liabilities, they are included in the Balance Sheet at amounts, which approximate their fair
values. Transaction costs associated with exchanging assets and liabilities are not material and consequently
are not included in the carrying value of these assets and liabilities.
Fair values for cash, cash equivalents, interest-bearing deposits, receivables and payables are represented by the
carrying amounts in the balance sheet. Interest-bearing liabilities reflect the amount to be repaid in accordance
with the agreed terms and conditions of the loans and leases.
18 Events subsequent to balance date
There are no matters or circumstances that have arisen since the end of the financial year that have significantly
affected or may significantly affect the operations of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board, the results of those
operations or the state of affairs of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board in future financial years.

Organisational chart
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LAURA MUMAW
CORPORATE SERVICES COORDINATOR
ROSE SCOTT
OPERATIONS PORTFOLIO CORPORATE SUPPORT
DIRECTOR LIFE SCIENCES &
MELBOURNE ZOO OPERATIONS
MATT VINCENT
DIRECTOR MARKETING
& BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
KYLIE WHITTARD
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
LAWRENCE TAI
DIRECTOR WERRIBEE
OPEN RANGE ZOO
ROSS JONES
DIRECTOR WILDLIFE
CONSERVATION & SCIENCE
GRAEME GILLESPIE
DIRECTOR HUMAN RESOURCES
LOVONNE HUNTER
DIRECTOR HEALESVILLE
SANCTUARY
JOHN GIBBONS
DIRECTOR EXPERIENCES
& LEARNING
KATIE PAHLOW
(ACTING)
26 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
Manner of establishment
and Powers of the Board
The Zoological Gardens Act 1936 was enacted on
December 14, 1936 and the Zoological Board of
Victoria was established in 1937 as a Statutory
Authority.
The Board assumed responsibility for the
management of the Melbourne Zoological
Gardens from the Zoological Society, which had
been founded on October 6, 1857. Werribee Zoo,
now known as Werribee Open Range Zoo, was
established by the Board in December 1975 and
opened to the public on September 3, 1983. On
June 27, 1978 the Victorian Government placed
Healesville Sanctuary (The Sir Colin Mackenzie
Zoological Park, established in 1934, under the
management of the Zoological Board).
The Board’s name changed to the Zoological
Parks and Gardens Board on the enactment of
the Zoological Parks and Gardens Act 1995 (The
Act) which was passed through the Legislative
Council in December 1995.
Zoos Victoria is the trading name for the
organisation managed by the Board comprising
the three zoo campuses and its full spectrum
of activities. The Powers of the Board are
enshrined in Sections 11 and 12 of The Act which
principally provide for the Board to exercise
its authority to do anything necessary or
convenient to enable it to carry out its function.
Objectives
The functions of the Board, as set out in
the Act, are:
> to conserve, protect, manage and improve the
zoological parks and managed land and the
zoological collections
> to promote and increase public enjoyment of
the zoological collections and the zoological
parks and managed land
> to increase public knowledge and awareness
of the zoological collections and the zoological
parks through exhibition of the zoological
collections, publications, educational programs,
advisory services and other activities
> to carry out and promote zoological research,
the conservation of wildlife and its natural
habitats and the maintenance of biodiversity
> to advise the Minister on matters relating to
the Board’s functions or powers or on any other
matter referred to by the Minister
> to provide consultancy and advice to the public
on zoological matters
> to provide services and facilities for visitors to
the zoological parks and managed land
> to carry out any other functions conferred on
it by this or any other Act
During the reporting period the Board was
responsible to the Hon. John Thwaites, Minister
for Water, Environment and Climate Change
(formerly the Minister for Environment).
Gavin Jennings MLC, Minister for Environment
and Climate Change became the responsible
Minister on 3 August 2007.

Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
Duties reserved for the Board include:
> Approval of strategic direction and vision
> Setting appropriate Board policies providing
strategic, ethical and operational guidance
> Approval of annual corporate and
business plans
> Approval of annual financial reports
> Reviewing risk assessment and
management systems
> Reporting to the Minister
Other functions of the board include:
> Establishing a Code of Conduct to guide Board
members, executive officers and the staff of
Zoos Victoria
> Assuming ongoing development of the
strategic, business and actions plans and key
initiatives and strategies designed to provide
valuable growth and successful corporate
renewal
> Monitoring the appropriateness of financial
reporting and internal controls
There were nine Zoological Parks
and Gardens Board meetings in the 06/07
financial year. Board member attendance
is summarised here:
Tina McMeckan retired 29 April 2007 and
attended seven board meetings.
Lee Watts retired on 29 April 2007 and attended
four Board meetings.
Robert Kirby was appointed on 8 August 2007
and attended five Board meetings.
Andrew Fairley was appointed on 30 April 2007
and attended one Board meeting.
Gaye Hamilton was appointed on 30 April 2007
and attended two Board meetings.
Andrew Vizard attended nine Board meetings.
Pru Sanderson attended seven Board meetings.
Dione Gilmour attended eight Board meetings.
Nick Whitby attended eight Board meetings.
JoAnne Stephenson attended seven
Board meetings.
> Monitoring the implementation of budgets
by management and progress against budget
via the establishment and reporting of both
financial and non-financial performance
indicators
The Board has established a number of
Committees which oversee the Governance
and Compliance requirements of the Zoological
Parks and Gardens Board. These Committees
are listed on page 29.
28 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

Summary of Committees
Remuneration and Governance Committee
Committee Board Members: Tina McMeckan
(Chair, retired April 2007), Lee Watts, (Retired
April 2007), Andrew Fairley (Chair, commenced
April 2007), Gaye Hamilton (commenced April
2007), Rob Kirby (commenced April 2007)
Management Representatives: Laura Mumaw
(CEO), Lovonne Hunter (Director, Human
Resources), Lawrence Tai (CFO).
The Committee’s Terms of Reference are to
advise, monitor and make recommendations
to the Board of Directors in discharging
responsibilities in relation to the development
of executive remuneration and overarching
industrial relations policies and guidelines
and governance matters including Board
functioning, nominations to Board positions
and strategic risk management and any other
matters referred to it by the Board.
Audit and Risk Management Committee
Committee Board Members: JoAnne Stephenson
(Chair) Lee Watts (Retired April 2007), Assoc.
Prof. Andrew Vizard, Prudence Sanderson.
Independent Members: Sam Cowell,
Helen Thornton, Rob Perry (Ernst & Young,
Internal Auditor).
Management Representatives: Laura Mumaw
(CEO), Lawrence Tai (CFO)
The Committee’s Terms of Reference are to
advise the Board of Directors in discharging
responsibilities in relation to financial
reporting, internal accounting controls,
financial risk management, audit activities,
regulatory and internal control compliance, and
any other matters referred to it by the Board,
including corporate plans and financial reviews.

Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
Subsequent events
There were no matters subsequent to the
financial report being finalised that would
significantly affect finances. Minister Jennings,
Minister for Environment and Climate
Change, became the responsible Minister
on 3 August 2007.
Consultancies
During 2006-07 financial year, there were
no payments for Consultancies.
Statement of availability of
other information
Information relevant to the headings listed in
Financial Reporting Direction 22 of the Financial
Management Act 1994 is held at Zoos Victoria’s
offices and is available on request, subject to the
Freedom of Information Act 1982.
Major contracts exceeding $10 million
No contracts individually exceeded $10 million.
Significant changes in financial positions
during the year
There were no major issues/developments that
affected financial or operational performance
throughout the year.
Admission Charges
ZOOS VICTORIA
REGULATORY PRICES
2006-07 2005-06 2004 1
Adult $22.00 $21.00 $23.00
Child $11.00 $10.50 $11.50
Concession $16.50 $15.80 $17.30
Family $52.40 $51.10 $52.40
1
Zoological Parks and Gardens (Fees) Regulation 2006
30 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 1982
allows public access to documents held by
government entities.
Decision Maker
Laura Mumaw, Chief Executive Officer
FOI Officer
Lawrence Tai, Chief Financial Officer
Written request as detailed in Section 17
of the FOI Act to be forwarded with the
prescribed fee to
FOI Officer,
PO Box 74, Parkville, Victoria 3052. A written
response will be forwarded to the applicant in
accordance with the Act.
Contacts
Lawrence Tai, FOI Officer
Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
P.O. Box 74,
Parkville, Vic 3052.
Telephone: (03) 9285 9488
Facsimile: (03) 9285 9330
Email: foi@zoo.org.au
2006-2007 FOI REQUESTS
All responses were prepared within the
statutory reporting period of 45 days.
Details
Number
Access granted in part 1
Access denied in full 0
No Documents 0
Matters not finalised at 30/06/07 0
Total 1
Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001.
The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001
came into effect on 1 January 2002. The Act
is designed to protect people who disclose
information about serious wrongdoing within
the Victorian Public Sector and to provide a
framework for the investigation of
these matters.
Either the Protected Disclosure Coordinator
for the Board or STOPline Pty Ltd (appointed in
accordance with the Ombudsman’s Guidelines
to receive and assess disclosure) receives
disclosures under the Act, and applies Board
procedures in managing disclosures. A copy of
the procedures is enclosed.
In the reporting period no disclosures about
alleged corrupt conduct was made to the Board.
No recommendations have been made by the
Ombudsman that relate to the Board.
Disclosures under the Whistleblowers
Protection Act 2001 are made to the following:
Zoological Parks & Gardens Board
c/o The STOPline
Locked Bag 8
Hawthorn Vic 3122
Facsimile:
Attention: The Zoo
c/o The STOPline
9882 4480
Internet: www.stopline.com.au
Email: ‘TheZoo’ disclosure@stopline.com.au
Lawrence Tai, Protected Disclosure Coordinator
ZPGB Locked Bag 210 PO Parkville Vic 3052
Telephone: 9285 9488
Facsimile: 9285 9330
Email: ltai@zoo.org.au
The Ombudsman Victoria
Level 22, 459 Collins Street,
Melbourne Vic 3000
Telephone: 9613 6222
Toll free: 1800 806 314

National Competition Policy
National Competition Policy (NCP) aims to
deliver benefits to the Australian community by
enabling and encouraging competition and the
longterm sustainability of Australian industries.
The Zoos Victoria Board is committed to
ensuring that the Competitive Neutrality Policy
is adhered to where Government Business
undertakings compete with the private sector.
Model 2 of the Competitive Neutrality Policy
applies to the Board’s catering and retail
activities and these activities must apply
pricing principles that reflect the real cost
of providing the service.
Major external reviews
No major external reviews were carried out
on Zoos Victoria in 2006/07.
Compliance Statement for the
Financial Management
The Zoological Parks and Gardens Board of
Victoria has complied with the Financial
Compliance Framework Direction requirements.
Major changes or factors
affecting performance
There were no major issues / developments that
affected financial or operational performance
throughout the year.
Compliance with the Building
and Maintenance Provisions of the
Building Act 1993
The Zoological Parks and Gardens Board Victoria
complies with building management provisions
of the Building Act 1993. The Zoological Parks
and Gardens Board Victoria ensures that all
works requiring building approval have plans
certified, works in progress inspected and
Occupancy Permits issued by independent
Building Surveyors engaged on a local job by job
basis. It also ensures that plans for these works
are lodged with the relevant local council.
The Zoological Parks and Gardens Board Victoria
requires all building practitioners engaged on
building works to be registered and maintain
registration throughout the course of the works.
Building work
At Werribee Zoo, the Hippo Exhibit and
at Melbourne Zoo, the Orang Exhibit was
opened in September 2006 and October 2006
respectively. All the projects were constructed
by registered builders in accordance with
approved drawings and specifications. The
exhibits are now being used by the staff
and public.
All had plans certified, works in progress
inspected and Occupancy Permits issued where
required by independent Building Surveyors.
Maintenance
Maintenance and improvement works are
regularly carried out on Zoological Parks and
Gardens Board’s buildings to ensure that
they are maintained in a safe and serviceable
condition.
Conformity
Work is continuing to ensure that all existing
buildings conform to standards.
Pecunary Interest Disclosures
All relevant officers are required to complete a
statement of pecuniary interest including any
relevant shareholdings during the year and
have done so.
32 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

Our People
Zoos Victoria employed 443 people in 2006-07
compared to 442 people in 2005-06.
Staff numbers are those employed as at 30 June.
Gender breakdown
2005-06
Males 192 Females 250 = 442
2006-07
Males 204 Females 239 = 443
Training and Development
Zoos Victoria staff were involved in a range of
new initiatives to increase employee capability,
connect new employees to the organisation
and develop a talent pool through targeted
opportunities. Training was provided in OH&S,
Leadership Development, and Technical Skills.
Staff also attended regional and international
conferences as part of professional
development programs.
Industrial Relations
A new agreement with administrative and
professional staff came into effect in July 2006.
Terms and conditions of employment
are negotiated with three individual unions
through collective bargaining agreements.
These agreements provide mechanisms for
on-going consultation with employees through
formal Consultative Committee meetings
where issues of mutual concern can be raised
and resolved.
Following a successful trial, Assessment Centres
now form part of the standard selection process
for all roles with visitor interactions and roles
that require multiple appointments.
This provides opportunities to assess group
dynamics, interpersonal skills and ability to
engage others. Recruitment and selection
decisions for these key interaction roles are
made by a panel of assessors
Performance Planning
The Zoo Employee Performance Plan system
is in its second year and continues to improve
career and succession planning.
Occupational Health and Safety
Safety is identified as one of Zoos Victoria’s core
values in the statement ‘We aspire to zero harm,
zero injuries’. Detailed policies and procedures
are in place to give affect to this aspiration.
All employees are accountable for individual
and team safety issues which are identified
in their position descriptions. Active OH&S
Committees operate at each of ZV’s campuses.
Safe Operating Procedures are in place for all
potentially hazardous duties and equipment
uses; and staff are trained in their application.
A safety award has been established to
encourage a competitive attitude to achieving
‘zero harm, zero injuries’.
Close monitoring of lost time injury statistics
for measurement against best practice and
establishment of safety strategies are in place.
Statistics for lost time injuries are not published
however can be made available under FRD 22A.
Equal Employment Opportunities
Women continue to play a prominent role
within Zoos Victoria, and are well represented
at the executive level, middle management
and in technical and Life Sciences areas.
There is an equal representation of women
in level 1, 2 and 3 management positions. The
overall breakdown of Zoos Victoria’s workforce
is 57 per cent women and 43 per cent men.
Recruitment and internal promotions are based
on merit and equity principles in compliance
with the Public Administration Act 2004.
Wur-cum barra at Zoos Victoria
Wur-cum barra Strategy is a State Government
initiative for organisations to employ
indigenous Australians. Zoos Victoria has a long
association with the indigenous community.
The principles of Zoos Victoria’s Wur-cum barra
strategies are embedded within the recruitment
processes to ensure indigenous candidates are
attracted and processes are non-discriminatory.

Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
OVERSEAS TRAVEL 1 JULY 2006 – 30 JUNE 2007
Employee Department Month Reason Country
Laura Mumaw Corporate Aug/Sept 2006 To attend the 61st Annual Conference of
WAZA in Leipzig, Germany.
Dr Tim Jessop WC&S Aug/Sept 2006 To facilitate a transitional process to enable
finalisation of project commitments with
previous employer, CRES and continue
involvement, in an advisory capacity, with
the endangered Komodo Dragon Research
project in Indonesia.
Dr Graeme Gillespie WC&S September 2006 To attend a Strategic Planning Workshop for
the FFI-Sumatran Elephant Conservation
Program in Medan, Sumatra.
Fleur Butcher MZ Animal Division October 2006 To travel with a film crew to Sumatra and
Borneo to facilitate interviews filmed on
location for a video which will form part of
the interpretation at the new Orang-utan
Sanctuary at Melbourne Zoo.
Fleur Butcher MZ Animal Division October 2006 To attend an AZA Training Course entitled
‘Managing Animal Enrichment and Training
Programs’ being hosted by Oregon Zoo
in Portland.
Yvette Finlay MZ D&L October 2006 To attend the International Zoo Educators
Conference in South Africa followed by one
week of professional development to observe
education staff at Johannesburg Zoo, visit the
Jane Goodall Institute ‘Roots and Shoots’
Office in Pretoria, visit Kalahari Conservation
and Cheetah Conservation programs in
Botswana in light of ZV WC&S priority
conservation programs.
Rachel Lowry WORZ D&L October 2006 To attend the International Zoo Educators
Conference in South Africa, preceded by visits
to schools placed within the African
education system.
Dave McKelson MZ Animal Division October 2006 To attend the Elephant Managers’ Association
Conference at Albuquerque Zoo and to visit
San Diego Wild Animal Park, Have Trunk
will Travel, Toronto Zoo and the African Lion
Safari to gain valuable knowledge of
Elephant management.
Dr Kate Bodley MZ Vets November 2006 To attend the University of Georgia College
of Veterinary Medicine (UGA) to participate
in a training course on the use of laparoscopy
in birds and reptiles and to attend the
Department of Veterinary Services at San
Diego Zoo, to observe the use of advanced
diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in a
world-class zoological veterinary hospital.
Germany
Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia
USA
South Africa
South Africa
USA
USA
34 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 06/07

Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
Employee Department Month Reason Country
Laurie Pond MZ Animal Division January 2007 For a study tour that focuses on the
management of adult bull elephants, including
the facilitation of their breeding, protected
handling procedures, environmental
enrichment, foot treatment regimes and design
of facilities for housing elephants.
Chris Banks WC&S Jan/Feb 2007 To attend a crocodile forum in Manila,
Philippines and support the Philippines
Crocodile conservation recovery program.
Jessica McKelson MZ Animal Division Feb-May 2007 To study wildlife conservation projects in
South East Asia with the support of an
overseas fellowship with The Pratt
Foundation/ISS Institute.
Katie Pahlow WORZ D&L February 2007 To travel to Zimbabwe to conduct teacher
training to enhance the potential outcomes
of in situ education program,
Ungana/Kusanganisa, in partnership with
the Tikki Hywood Trust.
Rachel Lowry WORZ D&L February 2007 To travel to Zimbabwe to conduct teacher
training to enhance the potential outcomes
of in situ education program,
Ungana/Kusanganisa, in partnership
with the Tikki Hywood Trust.
Nola Cuddy M&BD February To represent Zoos Victoria tourism
/March 2007 interests at the Japan Australia Mission
in Osaka, Japan.
Laura Mumaw Corporate March 2007 To attend the mid-year WAZA Council
meeting in Beauval, France and visit Tours
and Doué Zoos.
USA, Holland,
Germany, UK
Philippines
Indonesia,
Cambodia
South Africa
South Africa
Japan
France
Nola Cuddy M&BD April 2007 To represent Zoos Victoria at the Tourism China,
Victoria Road Show to China & Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Dr Tim Jessop WC&S May/June 2007 To facilitate a transitional process to enable
finalisation of project commitments with
previous employer, CRES and continue
involvement, in an advisory capacity, with
the endangered Komodo Dragon Research
project in Indonesia.
Dr Graeme Gillespie WC&S June/July 2007 To participate in the Operation Wallacea
biodiversity conservation research program
in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Michael Lynch MZ Vets July/August 2007 To attend the annual conference of the
Wildlife Disease Association in Estes Park,
Colorado, USA and to complete a one week
externship at the University of Florida.
Indonesia
Indonesia
USA

Disclosure index
DISCLOSURE INDEX
The Annual Report of Zoos Victoria is prepared in accordance with all relevant Victorian legislation. This index has been
prepared to facilitate identification of the Department’s compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.
Clause Disclosure Annual Review Financial Report
Page Page
Report of Operations
22 Manner and establishment and the relevant Ministers 27
22 Objectives, functions, powers and duties 27, 28
22 Nature and range of services provided 2-4
22 Organisational structures, names and functional areas of
responsibility of senior officers 26
22 Names of Board members 28 28
Financial and other information
22 Statement of workforce data and previous financial year 33
22 Merit and equity 33
15 Executive officer disclosures 32
22 5 year summary of the financial results 35
22 Significant changes in financial position during the year 30
22 Objectives and performance against objectives 32
22 Major changes or factors affecting performance 32
22 Subsequent events which will affect operations in future years 30
22 Details of consultancies > $100,000 and total No. and cost < $100,000 30
12 Disclosure of major contracts 30
22 Application and operation of FOI Act 1982 31
22 Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 31
22 Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of Building Act 1993 32
22 Statement on NCP 32
22 OHS 33
10 Disclosure index 35 36
22 Statement of availability of other information 30

Contact details
Zoos Victoria
PO Box 74
Parkville Victoria 3052
Elliott Avenue
Parkville Victoria 3052
Telephone: +61 3 9285 9300
Facsimile: +61 3 9285 9330
www.zoo.org.au
Melbourne Zoo
PO Box 74
Parkville Victoria 3052
Elliott Avenue
Parkville Victoria 3052
Telephone: +61 3 9285 9300
Facsimile +61 3 9285 9330
www.zoo.org.au
Healesville Sanctuary
PO Box 248
Healesville Victoria 3777
Badger Creek Road
Healesville Victoria 3777
Telephone: +61 3 5957 2800
Facsimile: +61 3 5957 2870
www.zoo.org.au
Werribee Open Range Zoo
PO Box 460
Werribee Victoria 3030
K Road Werribee Victoria 3030
Telephone: +61 3 9731 9600
Facsimile: +61 3 9731 9644
www.zoo.org.au