2008-09 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT

2008-09
ZOOS VICTORIA
ANNUAL REPORT

Contents
02 About Zoos Victoria
05 Our Vision and Mission
06 Chairman’s Message
07 CEO’s Message
08 2008/09 Highlights
10 Financial Snapshot
12 Melbourne Zoo
14 Healesville Sanctuary
16 Werribee Open Range Zoo
18 Wildlife Conservation
20 International Conservation Programs
22 Visitor & Community Development
24 Zoos Victoria Foundation
26 Our Sustainable Operations
28 Our People
33 Corporate Governance
40 Publications
42 Zoos Victoria Partners and Supporters
45 Financial Report

About
Zoos Victoria
Where our visitors come from
69%
11%
12%
8%
Overseas
Metropolitan
Victoria
Regional
Victoria
Interstate
Zoos Victoria aims to be the
world’s leading zoo-based
conservation organisation.
Each of our three zoos – Melbourne
Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and
Healesville Sanctuary – are dedicated
to influencing behaviour change within
communities to support wild populations
and their habitats.
The three zoos are the largest paying
attractions in Victoria, attracting more
than 1.5 million visitors each year who
visit us to experience our exceptional
wildlife encounters. Eleven percent of our
visitors are from overseas, with Healesville
Sanctuary attracting the highest
proportion of international tourists.
About 149,000 students visit Zoos
Victoria campuses each year making
it one of the largest non-classroom
educators in the State.
We are continually improving our
exhibits to provide for the needs of the
animals in our care and to ensure visitors
have a memorable experience and are
inspired to actively participate
in conservation actions.
Our three zoos
Melbourne Zoo is a ‘window to the
world’ exploring the diversity of the
world’s animal species and their
relationships with human cultures.
Healesville Sanctuary showcases
the wonder of the Australian bush
incorporating aspects of Indigenous
culture.
Werribee Open Range Zoo provides
an open range adventure immersing
us in stories of the people and wildlife
that share these unique and valuable
grassland ecosystems.
Zoos Victoria total animal collection
Animal Type
Number of specimens
30 June 2009
Fish 63
Amphibian 344
Reptile 491
Bird 1106
Mammal 707
Total 2711
Not including invertebrate collection.
Friends of the Zoos
Friends of the Zoos (FOTZ) is a non-profit,
independent organisation supporting
Zoos Victoria and wildlife conservation
education. FOTZ is the voluntary support
group of Zoos Victoria.
FOTZ membership gives families year
round unlimited access to Melbourne Zoo,
Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville
Sanctuary; as well as discounts and the
latest information about zoo happenings
in the quarterly magazine.
As of 1 July 2009 Friends of the Zoos
membership is managed by Zoos
Victoria. FOTZ provides significant
volunteer and financial support to
Zoos Victoria, as well as offering staff
professional development opportunities.
Zoos Victoria thanks FOTZ for their
continued commitment, dedication, and
support, both in kind and financial.
How to become a FOTZ member
To enquire about Friends of the Zoos
membership, visit zoo.org.au/fotz,
email fotz@fotz.org.au or visit the
group’s office beside the front entrance
at Melbourne Zoo.
FOTZ facts & figures
Number of members
as at 30 June 2009 72,143
Number of volunteer hours
provided 2008/09 52,250
Number of professional
development scholarships offered
to Zoos Victoria staff 2008/09 6
$ value of staff scholarships
provided 2008/09 $26,669
FOTZ program & project funding
2008/09
In addition FOTZ provided project
funding to the following capital upgrades
and conservation programs.
Annual behavioural
enrichment funding $30,000
Annual animal sponsorship $40,000
Elephant wellbeing
and monitoring $32,000
Melbourne Zoo Bear
Exhibit upgrade $120,000
World of Frogs $10,000
Tasmanian Devil enclosure at
Healesville Sanctuary - cameras
and monitoring equipment $10,000
Devils Advocate
conservation program $212,334
Veterinary facility upgrade
at Werribee Open Range Zoo $200,000
Contribution to conferences $10,000
Dingo Walk
Healesville Sanctuary $150,000
Tenkile Conservation
Alliance Training Centre $5,000
Total $819,334

A NEW
DIRECTION

Our vision
To be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation
organisation.
Our mission
To galvanise communities to commit to the conservation
of wildlife and wild places by connecting people and
wildlife in the following ways:
Opening the door by providing exceptional wildlife
encounters that reach beyond the boundaries of our
campuses;
Leading the way by communicating and demonstrating
the role of conservation and research in all we do;
Catalysing action through inspiring experiences that
motivate participation leading to conservation and
sustainability outcomes.
In 2008/09, Zoos Victoria
developed a 20-year
strategic plan that will see
the organisation undergo a
transformation to become
the world’s leading zoo-based
conservation organisation.
We will make conservation
the foundation of everything
we do.
Each of the three zoos will have an even
greater focus on broader conservation
outcomes, in particular the long-term
security of threatened species and their
natural habitats.
A key aspect of the work of Zoos Victoria
is the breeding and management of
threatened species and their release
into the wild. Through these programs
and our unique visitor experiences, we
aim to inspire people to take their own
conservation actions.
We will focus our efforts
across five key action areas:
01 Conservation
Every project, program and operation of
Zoos Victoria will be aligned to the delivery
of tangible conservation outcomes and
we will manifest this on two fronts –
wildlife conservation and community
conservation. We will specialise in the
captive holding and management of
threatened species and work with animals
that require assistance to survive.
We will inspire and influence the millions
of visitors that attend our campuses, the
wider community and our stakeholders to
take conservation action.
02 Animals
We will ensure that every animal in our
collection has conservation relevance.
We will strive to be a world leader in animal
care and wellbeing and actively advocate
for the conservation of wildlife.
03 Visitors
We will provide innovative wildlife
recreation and learning experiences that
inspire visitors to take conservation actions
that make a measurable and positive
difference.
04 People
We will support our staff’s development
to ensure they and the organisation as a
whole can transform Zoos Victoria into a
zoo-based conservation organisation.
05 Financial Sustainability
We will ensure the long-term financial
sustainability of all our operations to
improve the value of our assets so we
can deliver an increased investment in
conservation.
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

Chairman’s
MESSAGE
The 2008/09 financial year has been a watershed
for Zoos Victoria as we reassessed our direction
and developed a new vision to be the world’s
leading zoo-based conservation organisation
by 2029.
While the next financial year will
be the first year of the transition
towards our 20-year strategic
plan, 2008/09 has been one of
reassessment and regeneration.
The commitment from Zoos
Victoria staff and the leadership
and guidance of the Executive
Team and my fellow directors on
the Zoos Victoria Board has been
invaluable in this year of review
and renewal.
Our collective effort will go towards
inspiring and empowering each
and every one of the 1.5 million
people who annually visit one of
our zoos to join us in a call-toaction
to save wildlife and natural
habitats here and abroad.
We’ll do this by focusing on five
key action areas to take us forward
– conservation; animals; visitors;
people and financial sustainability.
Spearheading this new strategic
approach is new Zoos Victoria
Chief Executive Officer, Jenny
Gray, who was appointed in
February 2009. Jenny brings to
this position an inspiring sense
of enthusiasm and commitment,
along with a proven track record in
executive roles, including Director
of Werribee Open Range Zoo,
Director of Johannesburg Zoo and
other executive positions in the
public and private sector.
Her passion for the wild places
in the world and the pressures
they’re under will help drive our
conservation effort so we can
make a positive difference to a
world under growing threat.
Embedding this ethos across our
operations has seen two other
key appointments. Kevin Tanner
was appointed as Director of
Melbourne Zoo in January 2009
and Sally Lewis was appointed
Director of Werribee in June.
With our new leadership across the
three campuses, a new strategic
plan, and a corporate plan for the
next five years, we have the people
and the planning in place to make
the transformation to become
the world’s best zoo-based
conservation organisation.
Despite the global economic
downturn, our partnerships have
never been stronger. Our fundraising
arm, the Zoos Victoria
Foundation, raised $2.5 million
in 2008/09 to support our
conservation goals - $1 million
more than its target - and there
was a 52% increase in the number
of individuals donating in the
financial year.
Through its Devil’s Advocates
campaign, the Foundation raised
$500,000 for a breeding facility
at Healesville Sanctuary on top
of a $212,000 contribution by
FOTZ, to bolster the numbers of
the Tasmanian Devils. Females in
the group are now successfully
carrying pouch-young.
In a time of climate change and
increasing global habitat loss, this
is the kind of critical on-site project
that will help Zoos Victoria deliver
valuable, tangible and measurable
conservation outcomes.
I extend my thanks to all of the
staff at Zoos Victoria, to the Zoos
Victoria Board, Friends of the
Zoos and to all of our visitors and
partners who are responding to
our world’s increasing habitat
loss and rightly expect us to
take a greater responsibility for
conservation outcomes.
Andrew Fairley
Chairman
Zoos Victoria Board
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

Zoos Victoria has set out confidently on its
20-year journey of transformation into an
organisation that makes conservation central to
everything we do, from the animals we care for,
to the experiences we offer.
The new strategic direction was
a major focal point of 2008/09
and is a credit to the dedicated
work of our team and our three
zoos, which play a crucial role in
inspiring the millions of people
that visit our campuses and
the wider community to take
conservation action. To deliver
this strategy, a new organisational
structure was implemented
in June 2009, following an
exhaustive and comprehensive
internal review, driven from the
ground up.
This year we have seen
outstanding results from
our conservation approach,
highlighted at Healesville
Sanctuary by the biggest ever
breeding and release success for
the Helmeted Honeyeater and
the birth of fifteen Mountain
Pygmy Possums.
We have achieved a fantastic
result for the Regional
Cooperative Breeding Program for
the endangered Asian Elephant.
Great excitement surrounds the
first ever elephant pregnancy in
Melbourne Zoo’s 147 year history,
with Dokkoon due to give birth
this summer. We also celebrated
the pregnancy of Kulab, whose
calf is due around August 2010.
The birth of healthy Snow
Leopard cubs at Melbourne
Zoo in December 2008 and the
successful breeding of Tasmanian
Devils at Healesville Sanctuary
were further shining examples of
the success we are seeing in our
breeding programs of
endangered animals.
At Werribee Open Range Zoo,
the new African Wild Dog exhibit
was opened in December,
winning an Australasian Zoo
Keeping Association Award for
its design. Now architects and
engineers are beginning work on
a new veterinary hospital with
construction due to start early
in 2010.
We were all acutely aware of
the vulnerability of our native
animals during February’s
devastating bushfires, with staff
evacuating one in five animals
from Healesville Sanctuary.
The contribution of staff and
volunteers was humbling and a
credit to the organisation.
The Sanctuary, throughout its
75-year history, has always
provided care to Australian
wildlife but never before has its
resolve and resources been so
sorely tested. Not only did staff
operate a triage point for burnt
animals, acting as a referral centre
for animals requiring intensive
care, many did so while their own
homes were under threat.
We also managed triage centres
at Taggerty and Kilmore, treating
thousands of native wildlife. It
was a very clear example of our
specialist animal care skills and
expertise in action.
On a happier occasion,
Healesville Sanctuary celebrated
its 75th birthday this year and
the Werribee Open Range Zoo
reached its 25th milestone and
a record number of visitors
highlighting the public’s
appreciation of our naturalistic
settings.
Across Zoos Victoria, the
success of new initiatives such as
They’re calling on you – a mobile
phone recycling campaign that
supports gorilla conservation in
central Africa that has now been
expanded to 13 other zoos and
aquariums is a demonstration of
what can be done when we reach
out and inspire others.
By offering exceptional encounters
with wildlife, we can galvanise
our community to take action
to support the conservation of
wildlife and wild places.
This is an exciting time for Zoos
Victoria. The fundamentals are
in place to become a specialist
in the captive holding and
management of threatened
species and in influencing
behaviour changes within
communities to support wild
populations and their habitats.
We are passionate about our new
vision and will work hard to deliver
results that make a difference.
Jenny Gray
Chief Executive Officer
Zoos Victoria
CEO’s MESSAGE

2008/09
highlights
Zoos Victoria Awards
Name of program & organisation Program objectives What we entered Our results
ARAZPA The Award recognises outstanding Investing in Nesting Winner
Education Award
achievement in educational program
design in ARAZPA institutions.
Australian Institute of Landscape To implement a land management Werribee Open Range Zoo Landscape Architects National
Architects National Awards solution and construct an exhibit that Kubu River Hippos Exhibit Awards
Excellence for Land Management uses natural processes and biological Excellence for Land
Entered by Urban Initiatives systems to provide an ecologically Management
Pty Ltd who designed the
based filtration and purification system
Kubu River Hippos Exhibit
that is sustainable
National 2008 Save Water Awards Completed building developments Melbourne Zoo’s Water Award For Excellence
Award for Excellence and gardens that have incorporated Recycling Plant Built Environment & Gardens
Built Environment & Gardens water saving features Certificates
Premier’s Design Award The award recognises the very best Australian Wildlife Health Culture Architecture Trophy
Cultural Architecture of Victorian design practice Centre
Entered by Minifie Nixon Architects
2008 Governor of Victoria For outstanding achievement Zoos Victoria a major Winner
Export Awards in the inbound tourism sector attraction in the international
Sports, Events & Tourism Award tourism market Finalist in the Australian
Export Award
Australasian Zoo Keeping Design African Wild Dog Exhibit at Heidi Hellingman design award
Association
Werribee Open Range Zoo

Success with threatened species
The wild-born Tasmanian Devil females that
arrived at the Sanctuary last December
were bred successfully and are carrying
up to four pouch young each. Victoria’s
endangered state bird emblem, the
Helmeted Honeyeater, also enjoyed its
most successful year in the program’s
20 years with 38 chicks hatched and 30
released into the wild.
In the second managed breeding season
for the Mountain Pygmy Possum, 15 young
were born to three captive-born females
and one wild-born female and 95% of
Orange-bellied Parrot breeding pairs
successfully produced clutches of eggs
and 30 hatchling birds were raised
to adulthood.
Elephant pregnancies
Zoos Victoria’s unprecedented first and
second elephant pregnancies continue to
progress well. According to examinations
conducted in July, expectant mothers
Dokkoon and Kulab and their developing
calves are all doing well. Work continues
on ‘baby-proofing’ the elephant barn and
paddock area while staff are exercising
the elephants regularly to ensure that the
mums and ‘aunts’ are in the best possible
shape for the new arrivals. Dokkoon is
expecting in December/January and Kulab
is expecting in August 2010.
The African Wild Dog Exhibit
In December 2008 nine African Wild Dogs
were released into their new home at
Werribee Open Range Zoo. The exhibit is
the largest new development built at the
zoo since the Kubu River Hippos in 2006.
It features multi-viewing areas so visitors
can observe them in a naturalistic African
surrounding. The exhibit won a ‘Heidi
Hellingman’ Australasian Zoo Keeping
Association award for its design.
Visitor milestone
Werribee Open Range Zoo celebrated
the biggest year of visitation in its 25-year
history - attracting its 300,000th visitor and
exceeding its previous best result by more
than 15,000 visitors. This was a fantastic
achievement for the zoo, especially
considering the decline in visitors during
the bushfire period earlier this year.
A long proud tradition
On 30 May 2009, Healesville Sanctuary
celebrated its 75th birthday. The Sanctuary
opened to visitors in 1934 and has been
managed by Zoos Victoria since 1978,
providing a unique Australian wildlife
experience.
Bushfire response
On 8 February 2009, staff at Healesville
Sanctuary evacuated 20% of the animal
collection as a result of the danger
posed by the Black Saturday bushfires.
Animals removed were predominantly
threatened species, including Tasmanian
Devils, Orange-bellied Parrots, Helmeted
Honeyeaters and Mountain Pygmy
Possums, as well as Dingoes and koalas.
The animals and some staff were deployed
to Werribee Open Range Zoo and
Melbourne Zoo while the Sanctuary was
under fire threat. Other staff continued to
provide essential services for the remaining
animals despite their own homes being
under threat from ember attack. Healesville
Sanctuary was closed to the public for nine
days but the impact was felt throughout
February as visitation continued to be
affected by smoke and traffic warnings.
Healesville Sanctuary operated a triage
point for burnt animals, acting as a referral
centre for animals requiring intensive
care. We also managed triage centres at
Taggerty and Kilmore, treating thousands
of native wildlife. It was a very clear
example of our specialist animal care skills
and expertise in action.
Celebrating 40 years of school
education
Melbourne Zoo celebrated 40 years of
providing student discovery and learning
programs. More than 154,000 school
students visited a Zoos Victoria campus
during 2008/09 while over 1600 teachers
accessed professional learning.
A family fun day
On 23 December 2008 Zoos Victoria
and Mission Australia held their inaugural
Family Day, a social inclusion initiative for
disadvantaged Victorian families. More than
2,500 people from migrant, refugee and
disadvantaged backgrounds experienced
a free day at the zoo. Metlink and V/Line
provided families with free public transport.
Many travelled from across Melbourne and
regional centres including Shepparton,
Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Bairnsdale.
For many it was the first time they had
visited the zoo. For some parents, it was a
chance to revisit fond childhood memories
and share memorable experiences with
their own children.
A centre for world class animal
care and wellbeing
In addition to providing world class care
to the animals in our care, Zoos Victoria
also treated 1,989 injured/rescued animals
brought to us for specialist veterinary care
and rehabilitation during 2008/09.
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

FINANCIAL
Snapshot
Financial Summary ($ thousands)
2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05
Recurrent
Parks and Reserve Trust Fund 1 13,389 9,313 9,086 10,364 10,148
Revenue Zoo Activities 38,525 35,372 34,113 30,905 30,108
Total Income 51,914 44,685 43,199 41,269 40,256
Total Depreciation 5,499 5,944 4,301 3,583 3,371
Total Operating Expenses 45,043 38,940 39,353 36,779 34,452
Total Other 246 - - - -
Total Expenses 50,788 44,884 43,654 40,362 37,823
Net Result for the period 1,126 (199) (455) 907 2,433
Assets, Liabilities and Equity
Total Assets 220,586 213,728 182,763 176,970 156,767
Total Liabilities 10,571 9,043 9,489 10,894 9,235
Total Equity 210,015 204,685 173,274 166,076 147,532
Capital Contributions
Capital Grants Received 2 6,915 10,555 2,000 16,000 12,000
Visitor Numbers 2008/09 (thousands)
Details Melbourne Healesville Werribee Total
Zoo General Visitation 929 257 301 1,487
Zoo Activities Visitation 5 1 11 17
After Hours Catering Function Visitation 38 1 5 44
Total Visitations including catering Guests 972 259 317 1,548
Admission Charges
Zoos Victoria 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07
Adult $23.60 $23.00 $22.00
Child $11.80 $11.50 $11.00
Concession $17.80 $17.30 $16.50
Family $53.90 $52.40 $52.40
1 Parks and Reserves Trust Fund used for supporting the operations of the Zoos.
2 Capital Contribution by State Government is treated as Equity.
Significant changes in the financial position during the year
Increase in recurrent grant was due to the Victorian Government contribution
for asset maintenance.
Major changes or factors affecting performance
There were no major issues / developments that affected financial
or operational performance throughout the year.
10
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

Our YEAR
IN REVIEW
The following section outlines our
key achievements for 2008/09
and upcoming priorities.

MELBOURNE
ZOO
Melbourne Zoo is ‘a window to the world’, that explores the
diversity of the world’s animal species and their relationships
with human cultures. The Zoo is also becoming a forum for
discovery of the natural world and for enabling participation
in shaping solutions to living more sustainably.
Melbourne Zoo is Australia’s oldest zoo. Its location at the
gateway of Melbourne’s CBD makes it easily accessible to
visitors from Victoria, interstate and overseas.
Visitors
Total Visitors 2008/09 972,000
Average time spent
per visit (hours) 4
Animal Collection
Animal Type Number of Number of
species specimens
Fish 3 21
Amphibian 17 236
Reptile 71 320
Bird 95 520
Mammal 63 266
Total 249 1363
Not including invertebrate collection.
Number of injured/rescued
animals brought to
Melbourne Zoo for specialist
care and rehabilitation. 477

Key achievements
Birth of Snow Leopard cubs
As part of the Snow Leopard regional
management program, Melbourne Zoo
was requested to place a pair of adult
Snow Leopards together for breeding. On
7 December 2008, amidst great excitement
at the zoo, twin cubs were born. The healthy
male and female cubs will be relocated
within our region to further the breeding
program of this endangered leopard.
Hot summer nights
The popular Twilights concerts at
Melbourne Zoo celebrated their 20th year
of operation. Over summer, 18 concerts
attracted more than 30,000 visitors and
included three sell-out shows. A new
online booking system was introduced on
the Zoos Victoria website, which achieved
60% of all pre-booked tickets.
Calling on you
A mobile phone recycling program
–They’re Calling on You – to support
gorilla conservation in central Africa, was
launched in October 2008 with great
success. The program has since become
a national community conservation
campaign with 13 Australasian zoos
coming on board for the 2009 International
Year of the Gorilla. More than 8,000 people
have donated mobile phones to date
helping to raise funds to support antipoaching
efforts in Maiko National Park
(Democratic Republic of Congo) and Zoos
Victoria’s primates.
Behind the scenes
For the first time a full program of Behind
The Scene’s experiences was enjoyed
at Melbourne Zoo with 15 encounters
weekly involving dedicated keeping staff
showcasing eight different animal species.
Most experiences were fully booked
months in advance with Elephant, Tiger
and Gorilla Encounters in high demand.
Bearing up
With funding from the Friends of the Zoos,
Melbourne Zoo was able to rejuvenate
the Brown Bear exhibit. A pond filtration
system, including waterfalls and wading
pools, new platforms and climbing
structures, shade and rockwork has
resulted in an attractive and functional
exhibit for the bears, keepers and visitors.
Greener practices
In May this year, the Environmental
Protection Authority approved Melbourne
Zoo’s Environment and Resource
Efficiency Plan. Melbourne Zoo undertook
a review of energy use, water consumption
and waste generation to improve its
environmental and financial sustainability.
A number of projects were identified that,
when implemented, will reduce annual
water use by 10ML and return financial
savings of $16,900 per year by improving
resource efficiency.
In a further achievement, Melbourne
Zoo’s entire horticultural staff received
accreditation from Sustainable Gardening
Australia as Environmentally Certified
Landscape Industry Professionals.
Priorities for the
coming year
Wild seas ahead
The zoo’s new Wild Sea display is on
target to open in December 2009. It will
showcase Victoria’s coastal environment
and the animals that live there, including
Australian Fur-seals, Australian Little
Penguins, Fiddler Rays and a number
of fish species. All of the main structural
components of the display are complete.
Contractors are now busy with the internal
fit-out, external landscape and interpretive
design work.
Baboons set to move house
Plans are being drawn up to relocate the
Hamadryas Baboon troop to a new display
within the African Bush area of the zoo.
This relocation from the old baboon
display will provide visitors with more
opportunity to observe the behaviour of
these amazing animals.
Our 2008/09 Snapshot
Objective Achieved Comment
Collection Plan aligned with No Due to the development of Zoos Victoria’s
zoo’s development framework;
new strategic plan, it was determined to
key species have management plans carry forward this project into 2009/10
to ensure alignment with the new
20-year vision.
Wild Sea is meeting Yes Construction milestones met.
program timelines Exhibit due to open December 2009.
Develop new visitor experience Yes Roar Sounds, Frog Week and Giant
Tortoise, Kangaroo Island Kangaroo
and Meerkat photo experience.
What Our Visitors Think
Topic Result Description
Melbourne Zoo is actively involved in wildlife conservation 92% % who agree
Melbourne Zoo is doing an excellent job in wildlife conservation 84%
% who agree
Melbourne Zoo shows a high standard of care for the animals 89% % response for
good & very good
The animals at Melbourne look like they are in a natural setting 83% % response for
good & very good
Sweeney Research - Visitor Exit Survey January 2009.
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 13

HEALESVILLE
SANCTUARY
Healesville Sanctuary
provides an Australian wildlife
experience that centres on local
conservation and Indigenous
culture. Set in a beautiful natural
environment, the Sanctuary
offers a place for people and
animals to reconnect with
nature – from creek to canopy.
The Sanctuary also spearheads
Zoos Victoria’s threatened
species recovery efforts,
operating a number of breeding
and reintroduction programs.
Visitors
Total Visitors 2008/09 259,000
Average time spent
per visit (hours) 3.6
Animal Collection
Animal Type Number of Number of
species specimens
Invertebrate 3 9
Fish 5 15
Amphibian 7 90
Reptile 37 112
Bird 72 520
Mammal 32 212
Total 156 958
Number of injured/rescued
animals brought to Healesville
Sanctuary for specialist
care and rehabilitation. 1499

Key achievements
Valuing Indigenous culture
Wurundjeri elders along with senior
management of Zoos Victoria have
developed a biodiversity strategy linked
with an Indigenous interpretation of
significant sites in the Coranderrk
Bushland. A cultural heritage management
plan has been completed for the Sanctuary
and Coranderrk land, and as part of an
Indigenous employment program, three
Indigenous employees are now working in
the Horticulture and Keeping departments.
Caring for wild animals
The response of the Australian Wildlife
Health Centre to the Victorian bushfires
in February highlighted Healesville
Sanctuary’s expertise in caring for wild
animals. The veterinary centre operated
as a triage point for burned animals and
a referral centre for animals requiring
intensive care. The Centre’s team also
established triage points at Taggerty and
Kilmore and operated a mobile clinic to
treat animals at wildlife shelters.
The high regard of the Australian Wildlife
Health Centre as a primary hub of
veterinary excellence was highlighted
by the 1499 animals brought in over
the course of the year for treatment
and rehabilitation. For the first time, a
Superb Lyrebird suffering a broken leg
was rehabilitated and returned to the
Dandenong Ranges.
Close encounters
One-on-one encounters with a diverse
range of wildlife including Ringtail
Possums, Potoroos and Wedge-tailed
Eagles are giving students and visitors
new experiences. A number of new and
innovative programs began this year, with
Animals of the Night, Bird of Prey on the
Glove and Keeper for a Morning providing
a connection with keepers and insights into
caring for the animals. The new program
for secondary students – Keeper for a Day
– has been operating successfully during
the school holidays, with students rolling
up their sleeves for kangaroo yard raking,
making dummy Emu eggs to showcase the
skills of the Black-breasted Buzzard and
visits to behind the scenes areas.
ARAZPA accreditation
The Sanctuary received accreditation from
the Australasian Regional Association
of Zoological Parks and Aquaria. This
industry accreditation ensures that the
Sanctuary is meeting or exceeding
industry standards in welfare, exhibits,
interpretation, safety and training.
Priorities for the
coming year
Renovations for Dingoes
The Sanctuary is planning a major
renovation of the Dingo Exhibit to be
named ‘Dingo Country’. The exhibit
will showcase a pair of Dingoes living
in an Alpine environment and convey
the message that the species is now
considered ‘threatened in the wild’.
New Devil precinct
A new precinct will also be created
featuring one of the Sanctuary’s
flagship species – the Tasmanian Devil.
A multifaceted display will provide
information on the devil’s history and
ecology, including the interaction of young,
group feeding and reproduction habits,
and will include viewing within den sites
and audio presentations.
Parrot breeding facility
The state-of-the-art Orange-bellied Parrot
Breeding Facility is expected to open
on 7 September, national Threatened
Species Day. It will benefit parrot health
and increase breeding success with fully
enclosed ceilings to limit contact with
wild birds, nest boxes in air-conditioned
corridors to reduce heat stress and
cameras to increase our knowledge of
parental care and chick development.
The Federal Government provided
$618,000 toward this facility.
Our 2008/09 Snapshot
Objective Achieved Comment
Collection Plan aligned with No Due to the development of Zoos Victoria’s
zoo’s development framework;
new strategic plan, it was determined to
key species have management plans carry forward this project into 2009/10
to ensure alignment with the new
20-year vision.
Develop new visitor experience Yes Animals of the Night; Birds of Prey
on the Glove and Keeper for a Morning.
What Our Visitors Think
Topic Result Description
Healesville Sanctuary is actively involved in wildlife conservation 95% % who agree
Healesville is doing an excellent job in wildlife conservation 90% % who agree
Healesville shows a high standard of care for the animals 93% % response for
good & very good
The animals at Healesville Sanctuary 94% % response for
look like they are in a natural setting
good & very good
Sweeney Research - Visitor Exit Survey January 2009.
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 15

WERRIBEE OPEN
RANGE ZOO
Werribee Open Range Zoo
focuses on exhibiting African
species and promoting
conservation stories in an
open-range setting. The zoo
highlights conservation issues
such as the conflict between
people and animals seeking to
share the same environments.
Through a range of adventure
options – bus, open vehicle
and walking trails – visitors
are encouraged to look at
what can be done to preserve
and restore these valuable
habitats and find ways to live
in harmony with wildlife.
Visitors
Total Visitors 2008/09 317,000
Average time spent
per visit (hours) 4.1
Animal Collection
Animal Type Number of Number of
species specimens
Invertebrate 7 106
Fish 4 27
Amphibian 3 18
Reptile 20 59
Bird 7 66
Mammal 31 229
Total 72 505
Number of injured/rescued
animals brought to Werribee
Open Range Zoo for specialist
care and rehabilitation. 13

Key achievements
Bumper birthday year
Werribee Open Range Zoo celebrated
its 25th birthday with a special weekend
of colourful activities and entertainment,
and its popularity continues to grow with
a record number of visitors in 08/09
- 317,000.
Additions to the zoo
The number of animal species in the
animal collection increased from 62 to 72
in the past year. Notably, the invertebrate
and reptile species now comprise 30% of
the entire collection. In May, two popular
additions to the zoo family included
the arrival of young giraffes, Amani and
Thembi from Taronga Western Plains Zoo
in Dubbo. Werribee Open Range Zoo also
received three female Serval cubs from
Mogo Zoo. The cubs are being handraised
and conditioned by zoo keepers
for upcoming close encounter visitor
experiences.
Safari Sleepovers
The zoo’s educational activities continue
to grow in popularity. The new Safari
Sleepovers school camp experience
exceeded 1,070 participants during the first
trial season. Overall visitation for Learning
Experiences exceeded 32,000 visitors
for the first time - an 11% increase on the
previous year. Conservation Connections
– Zimbabwe has also inspired more than
2,469 Australian school students to take
action for African wildlife.
The importance of grasslands
As part of its Vision for Werribee Plains,
the zoo obtained a State Government
grant of $193,440 to help save some of
the country’s most threatened indigenous
grasslands and the endangered creatures
that live in them. The grant will enable
Werribee Open Range Zoo to promote
education about grasslands through
delivery of the Biodiversity in Schools
Program to 36 schools in the Werribee
Plains Region, and to establish a seed
nursery for future zoo and regional
grassland projects.
Another winner at Werribee
Werribee Open Range Zoo received the
2009 Australasian Regional Association of
Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA)
Education Award. The award recognises
education excellence for the Investing in
Nesting authentic learning experience,
where students use their skills to construct
a nest box for a chosen native species.
This is the fourth ARAZPA Education
Award win for Werribee and the fifth
consecutive win for Zoos Victoria.
Croaky Creepy Critters
Two new temporary indoor winter exhibits
were created – Croaky Creepy Critters
(June 08) and more recently, Smugglers
Beware (June 09). The Croaky Creepy
Critters exhibit increased the number of
visitors by 11% over a three-month period
and it is expected the new exhibit will result
in a similar increase in visitor numbers.
Priorities for the
coming year
A new veterinary hospital
A new veterinary hospital is being built to
enhance our capacity to provide world
class care to our animals. Construction is
expected to begin in early 2010.
Expand Melako program
A major fund raising campaign is being
planned to further develop and expand
the Melako conservation program in
northern Kenya. An official launch of the
program will be held later this year and
a pre-Christmas fund raiser will be held
in conjunction with Beads for Wildlife,
which aims to support the economy of the
Northern Rangelands Trust communities to
enhance in-situ conservation efforts.
International partnerships
Werribee Open Range Zoo is supporting
actions by wildlife scouts at the Melako
Community Conservancy in Northern
Kenya to address an increase in illegal
wildlife poaching. Melako scouts recently
apprehended three suspected ivory
poachers and confiscated 45kg of illegal
ivory. A strong partnership has been
forged with the Conservancy’s umbrella
body, the Northern Rangelands Trust
that provides the framework for wildlife
conservation, community development
and sustainable use of the area’s natural
resources. Fundraising efforts have
already raised more than $2,300 to
provide ‘scouts’ in Melako with essential
equipment and wages to continue their
fight against anti-poaching activities.
Our 2008/09 Snapshot
Objective Achieved Comment
Collection Plan aligned with No Due to the development of Zoos Victoria’s
zoo’s development framework;
new strategic plan, it was determined to
key species have management plans carry forward this project into 2009/10
to ensure alignment with the new
20-year vision
Develop new visitor experience Yes Safari Sleepovers for schools program,
Croaky Creepy Critters, Smugglers
Beware winter exhibits
What Our Visitors Think
Topic Result Description
WORZ is actively involved in wildlife conservation 97% % who agree
WORZ is doing an excellent job in wildlife conservation 94% % who agree
WORZ shows a high standard of care for the animals 95% % response for
good & very good
The animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo 94% % response for
look like they are in a natural setting
good & very good
Sweeney Research - Visitor Exit Survey January 2009.
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 17

WILDLIFE
CONSERVATION
Zoos Victoria makes a significant contribution to biodiversity
conservation through the Wildlife Conservation division.
As Zoos Victoria transforms into a zoo-based conservation
organisation, this area will continue to be central in
determining where best to focus our conservation efforts.
Over the past year, Zoos Victoria has continued its work in
our four priority regions of south-eastern Australia, Papua
New Guinea, south-east Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
We have made good progress in ensuring the longterm
security of populations of a number of species and
communities in their natural ecosystems and habitats.
In Australia, expertise has been channelled into captive
breeding and reintroduction programs for highly threatened
species including the Tasmanian Devil, the Mountain Pygmy
Possum and Victoria’s bird emblem, the Helmeted Honeyeater.
Outside Australia, key projects have helped to enhance
broad habitats for whole communities and ecosystems
going beyond conserving a single species.

Key achievements
More healthy Tassie Devils
In the past year, Zoos Victoria has worked
steadily to bolster the numbers in our
‘insurance’ population of Tasmanian Devils
at Healesville Sanctuary. This species is
threatened with extinction as a result of a
transmissible cancer known as Devil Facial
Tumour Disease.
Healesville Sanctuary is one of four
mainland zoos taking Tasmanian Devils
as part of a captive insurance population.
The program aims to breed and manage
a sustainable captive population of about
100 devils for at least 10 years.
The ‘insurance’ population at the
Sanctuary had its numbers significantly
bolstered by the addition of 20 young,
wild-born and disease-free animals from
Tasmania’s west coast.
Successful breeding programs
Thirty-eight Helmeted Honeyeater chicks
were hatched at the Sanctuary with 30
being released into the wild, making this
year the most successful in the breeding
program’s 20-year history.
Fifteen Mountain Pygmy Possums were
born in the second managed breeding
season for this highly endangered species.
Importantly, 85% hibernated for the first
time as a result of improved husbandry
techniques to successfully mimic
conditions in the wild.
Melbourne Zoo increased its breeding
capacity for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot
with the construction of more breeding
facilities. In January, eight bandicoots were
released into the wild at Mount Rothwell.
Zoos Victoria also experienced success
in the breeding programs of two of
Australia’s most endangered species,
the Spotted Tree-frog and the Southern
Corroboree Frog.
Long believed to be extinct, the Lord Howe
Island Stick Insect made a welcome return
to its island home, thanks to a successful
endangered species breeding program
at Melbourne Zoo. A representative
from Melbourne Zoo’s Invertebrate team
accompanied 20 captive-bred stick insects
to Lord Howe Island. The insects are on
display in a special facility in the Island’s
plant nursery.
Research programs
Over the past year, Zoos Victoria has
progressed a number of research
programs. These include:
+ Disease Surveillance and
Epidemiological Investigations in
Australian Fur-seals;
+ A large landscape-scale project in East
Gippsland to investigate the broad
ecosystem effects of removing an
introduced predator (European Red Fox);
+ Relationship between the emotional
intensity of visitor experiences and
visitors attitudes and behavioural
intentions towards conservation. This
project is being developed as a PhD at
Monash University. Initial stages of the
work have been completed and results
presented at the ARAZPA Conference;
+ Research into the occurrence of
salmonella in captive and wild reptiles;
+ Herpetofauna assemblage variability
in relation to habitat disturbance in
Sulawesi, Indonesia: implications for
management and conservation of
tropical vertebrate biodiversity. This
project is ongoing, with Zoos Victoria
Director of Wildlife Conservation visiting
the project site annually;
+ Observation research into the sleeping
behaviour of Melbourne Zoo’s five Asian
Elephants; and
+ Orang-utans on the Move: observation
research investigating changes in the
behaviour of Melbourne Zoo’s four
orang-utans before during and after their
move from their old exhibit to the new
Orang-utan Sanctuary.
Our 2008/09 Snapshot
Priorities for the
coming year
Expand recovery programs
In line with Zoos Victoria’s new strategic
direction, the Wildlife Conservation
team will review and bolster support
for international conservation programs
including delivering one new program.
The team will also work on mapping the
organisation’s conservation capabilities
and expanding opportunities for more
staff to be involved in Zoos Victoria’s
conservation programs.
A new animal manual
Objective Achieved Comment
An Animal Management Manual will be
developed for staff. This will centralise all
Zoos Victoria’s new and existing animal
management policies, procedures and
other documents to further enhance our
capacity to provide world-leading care for
our animals.
Resources in place to underpin Yes Appropriate resources secured with
three year conservation and
three year commitments to priority
research programs.
conservation and research programs,
including a significant increase in
committed funding for research.
What Our Visitors Think
Melbourne Werribee Healesville
It is important to me that the zoo is 86% 91% 90%
involved in conservation programs.
% respondents who agree.
Sweeney Research - Visitor Exit Survey January 2009.
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 19

INTERNATIONAL
CONSERVATION
PROGRAMS
Overseas, our conservation
efforts have achieved some
great local successes.
The Tenkile Conservation Program in the
Torricelli Mountains of north-west Papua
New Guinea has seen the opening of the
new community Training Centre at the
program’s main base in Lumi. Complete
with computers and internet access
the centre will be a valuable resource
in training the next wave of project
participants – all local people. This will help
bolster the already impressive employment
figures the project is generating locally.
Currently, the program is the largest
employer of local people in the region,
with 11 full-time staff and more than 200
people receiving regular income from the
program’s activities.
In a major breakthrough for our Kenyan
program, scouts from the Melako
Community Conservancy and the Northern
Rangelands Trust Security Team arrested
three suspected elephant poachers in
Merille and recovered 43kg of elephant ivory.
As part of Zoos Victoria’s Sumatran
partnership with Fauna and Flora
International, a new community group
has been established in the Sumatran
Elephant Conservation program. The
group will assist with forest protection in
the Besitang region. The number of cases
of illegal forest activities, including logging,
continues to decrease down to three in
2008 from a high of 15 in 2006.
Two projects in Cambodia have also
reached significant milestones over the last
year. The Kouprey Express is a modified
bus that provides conservation training
and awareness activities in partnership
with Wildlife Alliance. In the 2008-09 year,
‘Habitat Education Protection’ modules
were delivered to more than 1,400 primary
students in 38 classes across the 10
schools, increasing student awareness of
the topic by up to 20%
In the Cardamom Mountains, a large
study of resin tapping (collection of resin
from trees) by the Species, Habitat &
Ecosystem (SHE) team highlighted the
potential benefit to local communities if
undertaken sustainably as it provides a
reliable income without damage to the
forest. The SHE team collated records on
small carnivores (civets, Golden Cats, etc.)
from the Cardamom Mountains for the last
10 years. Apart from the value of having
this information centralised, it highlighted
population trends that the team will followup
in its field work.
This year also saw the release of 20
critically endangered Philippine Crocodiles
in the north of the country as part of the
Philippine Crocodile Recovery Program.
Map of conservation
programs 2008/09
+ Conservation programs
Eastern Barred Bandicoot
Helmeted Honeyeater
Orange-bellied Parrot
Sunshine Diuris Orchid
Mountain Pygmy Possum
Spotted Tree-frog
Southern Corroboree Frog
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby
Tasmanian Devil
Tenkile Conservation Program, PNG
Sumatran Elephant Conservation Program
Cardamom Mountains Wildlife Sanctuaries
and Kouprey Express, Cambodia
Philippine Crocodile Conservation Program
Northern Rangelands Trust, Kenya
+ Species management/
breeding programs
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Star Tortoise
Fijian Iguana
Broad-headed Snake
Rose-crowned Fruit-dove
Swift Parrot
Regent Honeyeater
Giraffe
Koala
Plains Zebra
Snow Leopard
Orang-utan
Cotton-top Tamarin
Tasmanian Devil
Ring-tailed Lemur
Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur
Western Lowland Gorilla
African Wild Dog
20
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

VISITOR &
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Zoos Victoria provides innovative wildlife-based recreation
and learning experiences that inspire and facilitate visitors
to take conservation actions that make a measurable and
positive difference.
Visitor and Community Development aims to offer inspiring
animal-based experiences that connect people with wildlife
and conservation action. We want every visitor to our zoos
to have a layered, meaningful and fun learning experience.

Talking up gorilla conservation
They’re Calling On You, a mobile phone
recycling campaign, encourages visitors to
support gorilla conservation in central Africa.
World-renowned wildlife activist Dr Jane
Goodall launched the campaign and
explained that each time a mobile phone
rings, a tiny piece of metallic ore from Africa
makes this possible. The mining of this
commodity is accelerating the loss of gorillas.
More than 8,000 mobile phones have been
donated with funds raised supporting antipoaching
efforts as well as helping care
for Zoos Victoria’s primates. The program
has now been expanded to 13 other
institutions across the Australasian Regional
Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria
(ARAZPA) and to community groups,
schools and corporate organisations.
Investing in nesting
Investing In Nesting requires students to
use their design, creativity and technology
skills to construct a nest box for a chosen
native species.
Werribee Open Range Zoo provides
expert knowledge and distributes nest
boxes donated by ‘construction’ schools
to ‘recipient’ schools whose local wildlife
is in need of shelter. The program won the
2009 ARAZPA education award.
A boost in sales
For the first time, Zoos Victoria retail
sales exceeded $5 million and the new
sales team achieved revenue of $2.8
million. A new photo shop was opened at
Melbourne Zoo in August 2008, providing
the opportunity for visitors to capture those
magic moments with wildlife.
A New Concert Series
Roar Sounds, a new music event aimed
at bringing a younger audience back to
the zoo was introduced at Melbourne Zoo
in 2009. Roar Sounds ran each Thursday
in February and featured up and coming
Australian bands. The inaugural concert
series was a great success with 3,157
tickets sold across the fours shows and
delivering additional revenue of $169,282.
More funding for learning
Zoos Victoria achieved further funding to
deliver the following programs:
Department of Education and
Early Childhood Development
$736,000 p.a.
To run school programs from 2009-2011.
Department of Sustainability
and Environment
$37,000 (part of a larger grant)
To work with local schools on the Vision
for Werribee Plains project to improve
biodiversity in their school.
Department of Education and
Early Childhood Development
$250,000
To develop digital content for the
Knowledge Bank: Next Generation FUSE
portal, that will engage all Victorian schools
with Zoos Victoria.
Norman Wettenhall Foundation
$20,000
To help 50 schools breed the critically
endangered Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
and contribute to ongoing research.
Priorities for the
coming year
New Community
Conservation programs:
+ Don’t Palm Us Off will aim to raise
public awareness about the palm oil
crisis exposing the link between food
products and orang-utan survival in the
wild. The campaign aims to mandate the
labelling of palm oil on all food products.
+ Beads for Wildlife is a community trade
initiative that will support the economy
of the Northern Rangeland Trust
communities to enhance the success
of their in situ conservation efforts and
provide opportunities for community
involvement.
+ Seal the Loop will encourage visitors to
place used plastics into recycling bins at
Melbourne Zoo. The plastic will then be
recycled and turned into ‘tangler bins’
that will be installed in fishing locations
where unused fishing line and nets can
be placed, helping to reduce the number
of wildlife entanglements at sea.
New products and
increased revenue
Ongoing development and refreshment of
the visitor experience and various programs
and product offerings will aim to improve
the financial performance of our zoos and
increase our ability to invest in conservation.
Our 2008/09 Snapshot
Objective Achieved Comment
Learning programs incorporate Yes A first series of case studies was developed and incorporated into the first half
measurable outcomes aligned to yearly report to DEECD as part of the new funding agreement for 2009-2011.
DEECD and ZV priorities
‘Hosting’ model: priority projects Yes New face-to-face interpretive approaches were trialed at all three zoos.
identified and delivered at each
More than 200 staff at all three campuses trained in a new presentation training
campus. Framework for identifying
program ‘POWER-Hook, Line & Sinker’.
and resourcing future projects in place
Customer Service training for all frontline staff was conducted at each campus and a
‘toolkit’ and ‘train the trainer’ program has been developed for rollout during 2009/10.
An integrated working model with Yes A new Heads of Agreement was developed and implemented 1 July 2009.
Friends of the Zoos (FOTZ)
A robust retail strategy and business Partially Strong retail sales were achieved in 2008/09 and two new stores opened.
model driving commercial growth
New commercial product was implemented at each campus.
A revised retail and business growth plan aligned with the new Zoos Victoria
Strategic Plan will be implemented in 2009/10.
Forge new research, learning and Yes Zoos Victoria developed a number of key partnerships over 2008/09 including:
cultural and community partnerships.
+ Melbourne Water Youth Conference (partnership with Melbourne Water & Firestarter)
+ Biodiversity in Your School (partnership with Greening Australia)
+ Sustainability & Biodiversity Magazines (partnership with Pearsons Education)
+ DEECD Knowledge Bank: Next Generation partnership
+ VE Community Conservation Research (ARC partnership with TRU@ Monash
and “How Many is Too Many’ research project)
+ Grasslands Program (partnership with Iramoo @ VU)
+ Mission Australia to deliver the Mission Australia Family Day at Melbourne Zoo.
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 23

Zoos victoria
foundation
The Zoos Victoria Foundation has the responsibility of raising
funds to ensure Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and
Werribee Open Range Zoo are world-class leaders in conservation.
The Foundation aligns all its activities to support Zoos Victoria’s
objective of becoming the world’s leading zoo-based
conservation organisation over the next 20 years.
Despite the global financial crisis and its impact on the
charitable sector and corporate sponsorship, the Foundation
raised $2.5 million - exceeding its target of $1.5 million in
contributions from the community.

Key achievements
Devils secure record grant
During the year, the Foundation secured
a large philanthropic grant for the
conservation of the Tasmanian Devil
population.
Through its Devil’s Advocate campaign,
the Foundation raised $500,000 for
the Tasmanian Devil breeding facility at
Healesville Sanctuary.
Bushfire relief funds
The Foundation also raised more than
$300,000 for the critical work carried out
by the veterinary staff at the Australian
Wildlife Health Centre to care for injured
animals from the Victorian bushfires.
Following the fires, messages of support
flooded in from Japan, North America and
Europe, as well as donations from 1,891
individual sources.
Leading the way
The inaugural Zoos Victoria Conservation
Forum was held in May 2009 and focused
on bushfire recovery for habitat and
wildlife. More than 300 people attended
the event, with the Governor of Victoria,
Professor David deKretser, A.C, providing
the keynote address. The forum was
generously supported by the Myer family
through the Yulgilbar Foundation, the Sid
and Fiona Myer Family Foundation and the
Myer Foundation.
Adopt an animal
The Foundation re-launched its popular
Animal Adoptions program that invites
people to ‘adopt’ an animal for 12 months
by donating a minimum of $75 to support
the work of the zoos. Those taking part
in the program are now issued with
invitations to tailored events such as being
among the first to see Melbourne Zoo’s
new Snow Leopard cubs.
A new green initiative, in line with the zoos’
goal to become carbon neutral by 2012,
involved the launch of an e-news bulletin
delivered quarterly to around 8,000 animal
adopters and donors.
Thank you
The Foundation hosted a number of events
to acknowledge the ongoing support of
generous individuals to Zoos Victoria.
Among these was a cocktail party at
Cranlana – the Myer family home in Toorak
– and a special ‘thank you’ event at the
Orang-utan Sanctuary at Melbourne Zoo.
Overall during the year, the Foundation
received 14 bequests totalling $891,414
and received 4,467 individual donations
– a 63 per cent increase on the number
of individual donations received last
financial year.
Priorities for the
coming year
In the coming year, the Foundation will be
getting behind critical projects including the
new animal hospital and the new Gorilla
Sanctuary at Werribee Open Range Zoo
and the restoration of the Coranderrk
bushland reserve at Healesville Sanctuary.
The Foundation will be aiming to raise
$2.25 million in 2009/10 to assist Zoos
Victoria to become a leading zoo-based
conservation organisation.
Income
$1.5m
Target
$2.52m
Actual
Zoos Victoria Foundation
2008/09 Results
Our 2008/09 Snapshot
Objective Achieved Comment
Achieve $1.5 million income Yes $2.52 million was raised.
ZVF Prospects & Capital Campaigns Yes A priority list of capital campaigns was
launched and generating capital funds
developed including the development
of a gorilla enclosure and veterinary
hospital at Werribee, and facilities to
support the Tasmanian Devil breeding
program at Healesville.
Zoos Victoria Donor Results
Foundation Board
The Zoos Victoria Foundation has an
Advisory Board with membership as
follows:
Chair
Sid Myer
Members Steven Munchenberg
Rika Warbanoff
Janet Whiting
Tina McMeckan
Andrew Vizard
Irene Irvine (appointed June 09)
Andrew Fairley (resigned June 09)
% increase
2007/08 2008/09 in 2008/09
Number of donors 2927 4467 52%
Number of donations 5396 7221 33%
Average Donation $543 $572 5%
Total given $1.5M $2.52M 70%
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 25

OUR SUSTAINABLE
OPERATIONS
Emissions from source 2008/09
Net emissions = 8035.15 tonnes CO2e
Global warming, climate change and depletion of the world’s
natural resources has become a major focus of public concern,
and attracted considerable attention from the scientific community,
governments and the general public. At the root of these problems
is unsustainable consumption of natural resources, coupled with
continuing growth of the world’s human population.
At Zoos Victoria, we aim to lead by example with environmentally
sustainable practices in our work place and activities and by
reducing our ecological footprint across all areas of operations.
As leaders in wildlife conservation and animal care, we are in a
unique position to showcase environmental sustainability and
inspire our visitors to take action to conserve wildlife and the
natural world.
Zoos Victoria has committed to:
+ being carbon neutral by 2012
+ a green procurement program
+ greener resource efficiency
+ an Environmental Management System
+ training and support for staff to become more sustainable
at work and home; and
+ inspiring people to take environmentally sustainable action.

Key achievements
Environmental management policy
An Environmental Management Policy
was developed to deliver environmentally
sustainable outcomes and reduce Zoos
Victoria’s ecological footprint across all
areas of its operations. Zoos Victoria
will use an Environmental Management
System to manage and continually improve
its operations and developments in a
sustainable manner. For Zoos Victoria,
decisions on environmental sustainability
will take into account Climate Change,
Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation.
Buying green
As an organisation that has a conservation
and sustainability focus, it’s only fitting
that our policies and procedures
reflect this. A new procurement policy
was introduced in February 2008 that
mandates the selection of products that
are energy and water efficient and have
minimal impact on habitat, waste, toxicity
and soil degradation. Zoos Victoria now
purchases 10% green electricity.
Enhanced recycling
Uniform waste and recycling signage was
developed across the three campuses and
recycling facilities were upgraded, resulting
in reduced waste to landfill, improved levels
of recycling and reduced contamination. All
operational plastics such as plastic wraps
and expanded polystyrene were recycled.
At Melbourne Zoo
An Environment Resource Efficiency Plan
(EREP) was developed and approved by
the EPA. A water filtration system was
installed at the Brown Bear pool saving
1332 kilolitres per year. The pool also uses
recycled water.
More than 52,986 kilolitres of recycled
water was used reducing our potable
water consumption to 124,001 kL/year.
At Werribee Open Range Zoo
Ongoing revegetation work has been
occurring within the Werribee River
floodplain for the past decade, with the aim
of attracting indigenous fauna back into
the region. These efforts are now being
rewarded. There has been a significant
increase in the sightings of indigenous
fauna within this region including six
Swamp Wallabies.
The property’s irrigation water is supplied
by 100% recycled grey water. Rain water
harvesting has been introduced with
three large water tanks installed having a
combined capacity of 325 000 litres.
A partnership with Amcor will see between
200,000 litres and 400,000 litres of rain
water gifted each year, while the installation
of 18 hot water heat pumps has reduced hot
water power consumption by up to 75%.
At Healesville Sanctuary
A commercial size worm farm was
commissioned and currently processes
100 kilograms of organic waste (food
waste and animal waste) per week. The
worms are also harvested as animal
feed. Liquid from the worm farm is being
harvested for a fertilizer and worm castings
are being utilised in soil production.
The installation of 15 hot water heat pumps
has reduced hot water power consumption
by up to 75%.
The Orange-bellied Parrot’s Captive
Breeding Facility Redevelopment was
built through the use of environmental
sustainability design principles.
The installation of 2 x 32,000 litre water
tanks at the endangered species breeding
complex will save more than one megalitre
per annum of potable water.
Priorities for the
coming year
Introduction of the EMS
Over the coming year, Zoos Victoria will
apply, launch and maintain an environmental
management system to help the organisation
become carbon neutral by 2012.
Putting new programs in place
ZV will also implement three resource
efficiency campaigns in line with the
organisation’s environmental
management policy.
Our Environmental Performance
We commenced a measuring and monitoring program of our resource consumption
in mid 2008. Our baseline year is the 2006-07 financial year. Below is the monitoring
result of our consumption.
(baseline) % change
Resource 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2006/07
Electricity 1 (MJ) 17,435,197 17,177,496 17,207,650 1%
Green Electricity (MJ) 1,400,071 904,078 905,666 55%
Natural Gas (MJ) 12,036,746 12,484,431 12,497,993 -4%
LPG (MJ) 498,250 412,695 634,055 -21%
Waste to Landfill 2 (Tonnes) 518 291 500.45 4%
Recycling Rate 3 (%) 63% 78% 72% -12%
Potable Water (KL) 164,778 161,080 198180 -17%
Recycled water 4 (K) 175,186 139,09 117000 50%
Greenhouse Gas emissions 5 8,038 7,602 8,023 0%
(Tonnes CO2e)
Notes:
1 Increased electricity consumption due to activities such
as building of Wild Sea at Melbourne Zoo and the cooling
requirements of the endangered Burramys at Healesville
Sanctuary.
2 Waste to landfill is highly dependent on visitation
numbers. ZV now has in place a unified public place
waste and recycling signage to improve our recycling rate.
At Healesville Sanctuary, a worm farm is now composting
organics waste with the capacity to process public place
organics to further reduce waste to landfill.
3 ZV recycling rate has decreased due to a reduction of
organics for recycling. Together with organics, paper
and commingled recycling, ZV continues to recycle
all operational plastics, e-waste, metals, batteries,
chemicals, fluorescent tubes and building material.
ZV operational plastics are recycled into bench seats
for use on property.
4 A significant increase in using recycled water has been
achieved.
5 Greenhouse gas emissions have increased very slightly.
ZV will continue to improve on data collection and the
Greenhouse Gas Inventory by adding data for reticulated
water, office paper, animal emissions and expand on
vehicle emissions to include flights and public transport.
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 27

Our PEOPLE
Zoos Victoria supports staff development as part of the
journey to become a zoo-based conservation organisation.
Only by investing in and nurturing the very best skills and qualities of
our staff and partners will we be able to fully realise this transformation.
Our continued engagement with and inclusion of our people will result
in strong leadership, further clarity of roles and responsibilities, and
meaningful performance plans that align with corporate objectives
to which staff willingly commit, ensuring a climate of high moral and
achievement.
A significant focus for 2008/09 was a total organisation review,
driven by the views and values of Zoos Victoria staff. The end result
is a new strategic direction and a new organisation structure, which
was implemented in June 2009 to position Zoos Victoria to achieve its
vision to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation.

Key achievements
A new strategic direction
In 2008/09 Zoos Victoria embarked on
an intense period of self-examination
and vision setting. It was a journey of
self discovery underpinned by a number
of different but integrated processes
including:
+ a team of 10 staff was established to
review organisation process, culture and
structure;
+ culture surveys were undertaken; and
+ the Board, Executive team and all staff
were involved in workshops to determine
what Zoos Victoria should stand for
and what direction the organisation
should take.
An overwhelming sense of conviction
and commitment was demonstrated by
the entire organisation. Out of this a new
Strategic Plan was developed, driven
from the ground up. The Strategic Plan
articulates a clear path and strategic
framework for the future of Zoos Victoria,
which will see conservation be at the heart
of everything we do.
A reshaped senior leadership team
It was a year of significant change for Zoos
Victoria in terms of strategic direction, but
also in the senior leadership team. A new
highly skilled and motivated leadership
team is in place to deliver Zoos Victoria’s
vision. The following senior appointments
were made during 2008/09:
+ Jenny Gray was appointed CEO in
February 2009
+ Kevin Tanner was appointed Director of
Melbourne Zoo in January 2009
+ Ted McNamara was appointed Human
Resources Director in March 2009
+ Sally Lewis was appointed Director of
Werribee Open Range Zoo in June 2009
+ Lyn Brodie was appointed Director of
Zoos Victoria Foundation in August 2008
+ Katie Pahlow was appointed Director
of Visitor & Community Development in
June 2009.
Achievement and recognition
In February 2009, Zoos Victoria held the
first annual function for the Achievement
and Recognition program, which fosters
appreciation for our colleagues and their
contribution to the success of our zoos.
The program is run each quarter at all
three campuses. All the winners from each
quarter from each property were invited,
with an overall winner announced for
each category.
More than 70 nominations were assessed
and eight winners were identified. The
program will be reviewed in August to align
to the new organisational strategy.
Enterprise bargaining
A new three year enterprise bargaining
agreement for keepers, horticulturalists
and ground staff was delivered. The
agreement provides improved pay and
conditions along with workplace flexibility
and productivity improvements.
Staff turnover
Zoos Victoria is pleased to report that staff
turnover remains relatively stable at 7.65%.
Absenteeism
A pleasing result was achieved for
absenteeism, with the number of
unplanned leave hours per employee
standing at 42 hours per annum. By
comparison, Victorian public sector stands
at 48.76 hours pa and for all industries,
43.6 hours pa.
Disability action plan
Zoos Victoria’s Disability Action Plan
is nearing completion and will be
implemented by November 2009. In the
process of developing this plan, actions
have already been taken which have
improved accessibility to our zoos.
This action plan will allow us to improve
existing facilities and services as well as
ensure accessibility is incorporated in our
planning for the future in accordance with
the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and
the Disability Act 2006.
Our Workforce Profile
Employment Statistics As at 30/06/09 As at 30/06/08
Numbers % Numbers %
Employees* 564 489
Male 230 40.8 217 44.4
Female 334 59.2 272 55.6
Casual 192 132
Male 61 31.8 47 35.6
Female 131 68.2 85 64.4
Full-time 288 277
Male 154 53.5 155 56.0
Female 134 46.5 122 44.0
Part-time 84 80
Male 15 17.9 15 18.8
Female 69 82.1 65 81.3
FTE Full-time & Part-time 338 321
FTE Casual 42 36
* The increase in total staff numbers reflects a seasonal variation in casual staff numbers.
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 29

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.
Overall breakdown of Zoos Victoria
workforce is 59% women, 40% men.
There is equal representation of women in
executive positions and level 1, 2, and 3
management roles.
Recruitment and internal promotions are
based on merit and equity principles in
compliance with the Public Administration
Act 2004.
Indigenous employment at
Zoos Victoria
Zoos Victoria is committed to ensuring our
processes attract Indigenous candidates
and are non-discriminatory. Zoos Victoria
has a long association with the Indigenous
community, and continues to work towards
improving outcomes for Indigenous
employment.
Occupational health and safety
Zoos Victoria has a solid OH&S framework
in place across all three properties we
continue to strive towards a reduction
in injuries by reviewing and improving
our OH&S management and looking at
opportunities to reduce our risk exposure.
Each property has an active Health &
Safety Committee that meets regularly and
reports back to the Central Safety Team.
Consistent improvements in safety
practices and injury management have
made a significant cost saving contribution
to the organisation with a reduction in our
Workcover premium rate of 1.24% this year.
Priorities for the
coming year
Implementing the E-zepp
With a new fully electronic employee
performance plan scheme operational as
of 1 July, a key priority is to conduct staff
training on the new system and ensure all
staff have an employee performance plan
that they willingly commit to and that is
linked to the Corporate Plan actions.
Enhanced OHS monitoring
and reporting
Zoos Victoria considers the safety of its
workforce the highest priority. Over the
coming year more intensive monitoring and
reporting arrangements for occupational
health and safety will be developed to
embed workplace safety to an even
higher level.
Our 2008/09 Snapshot
Objective Achieved Comment
Employee ZEPPs are aligned Yes A new state-of-the art electronic
to the business plan.
performance management system
for all full-time and part time employees
was developed and will be implemented
from July 2009. This system aligns with
Zoos Victoria’s new strategic direction
and will be completed by all staff.
Rotation development plan in place Yes Individual development plans have been
across all campuses and functional
incorporated into the performance
areas.
management system to provide a
structured approach to learning and
development.
Action Plan for Culture Change No Due to a change in strategic direction for
in place.
the organisation, this matter was put on
hold and a new Action Plan for Culture
Change will be developed in 2009-2010.
Continue our work culture, safety and Yes Leadership Development has been
leadership development programs.
provided to all new managers.
30
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

Ted McNamara
Director Human
Resources
Senior HR Advisor
HR Advisor - OH&S
HR Advisor -
Organisational
Development
HR Advisor -
Projects
HR Advisor -
Talent Acquisition
HR Advisor -
Operations & Payroll
Lawrence Tai
Chief Financial
Officer
IT Manager
Finance Manager
GM Assets
Governance Officer
Business Analyst
Graeme Gillespie
Director Wildlife
Conservation
Sustainability Manager
Life Sciences Strategic
Projects Coordinator
Conservation
Partnership
Coordinator
Ecologist
Jenny Gray
Chief Executive
Officer
Katie Pahlow
Director Visitor
and Community
Development
Lyn Brodie
Director
Zoos Victoria
Foundation
GM Community
Conservation
GM Commercial
Development
GM Communications
GM Learning Strategy
Development Manager
Relationships
Manager
ZOOS VICTORIA
ORGANISATIONAL CHART
Kevin Tanner
Director
Melbourne Zoo
Sally Lewis
Director Werribee
Open Range Zoo
John Gibbons
Director Healesville
Sanctuary
GM Operations
GM Life Sciences
GM Visitor Experience
Learning Experiences
Manager
Retail Store Manager
Communications
Manager
GM Works
Senior Vet
Curator of Horticulture
Curator
of Life Sciences
Visitor Experience
Manager
Learning Experiences
Manager
Retail Store Manager
Communications
Manager
Works Manager
Senior Vet
Curator of Horticulture
Curator
of Life Sciences
Visitor Experience
Manager
Learning Experiences
Manager
Retail Store Manager
Communications
Manager
Works Manager
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 31

CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 33

ZOOS VICTORIA
BOARD
Mr Andrew EJ Fairley
LLB, FAICD
Chair
Mr Fairley was appointed to the Board as Chair in April 2007 and
has more than two decades experience in sustainable tourism. He is
currently Chair of the Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council in Victoria
and a Board member of the International Ecotourism Society. Mr Fairley
has practised as a specialist Equity lawyer for more than 30 years
and is a Consultant to DLA Phillips Fox. He is Chair of Equipsuper
Superannuation Fund. He is also Chair of the Sir Andrew & Lady Fairley
Foundation.
Dr Irene Irvine
BSc, PhD, DipEd, GradDip Admin
Irene Irvine was appointed to the Board as Deputy Chair
in April 2008. Irene has extensive experience in the
education sector, holding a number of senior executive
appointments. She is also on the Boards of State Trustees
Limited and Melbourne Girls’ College and has previously
been a board member of Craft Victoria and Camberwell
Girls’ Grammar School.
Ms JoAnne Stephenson
BComm, BLLB (Hons)
JoAnne was appointed to the Board in October 2004 and
reappointed in 2007. JoAnne is National Managing Partner,
KPMG Risk Advisory Services practice and Lead Partner of
KPMG’s Victorian Government services practice. She has
extensive experience in the audit, corporate recovery and
consulting areas of the firm. 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
Pru was reappointed to the Board in May 2005 and is the CEO of VicUrban,
the Victorian Government’s sustainable urban development authority. An
honours graduate in architecture, Pru has held senior positions delivering
major infrastructure projects including Design Manager for Melbourne
Museum, Manager of Development and Operations for Federation Square
and CEO of Monash Property Management Pty Ltd. Pru serves on the
board of the Committee for Melbourne, the National Advisory Board of
Infrastructure Partnership Australia and is a member of the Federal
Government’s Built Environment Industry Innovation Council (BEIIC).

Mr Nicholas Whitby
BBus
Nick was appointed to the Board in 2005 and reappointed in
2008. He is Managing Director of Grollo Leisure & Tourism,
managing their range of assets. Nick has responsibility
for a range of business and assets including property
development, ski lift operations, hospitality and retail assets.
Nick has a well-established understanding of the tourism
sector and the interaction between commercial operations
and government.
Ms Gaye Hamilton
BSc (Ed)
Gaye was appointed to the Board in April 2007. She has previously
been a secondary school teacher and principal, with the
Victorian Department of Education and held executive positions
with Museums Victoria as well as Zoos Victoria. Following her
retirement from full-time work in 2005, she undertakes project and
consultancy work as well as various Board roles. Gaye is also a
member of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust, the Victorian
State Sports Centre Trust, Seaworks Foundation and a Director of
the Western Bulldogs Football Club.
Dr Kenneth Hinchcliff
BVSc (Hons), MS, PhD, DACVIM
Kenneth was appointed to the Board in 2008 and is a
graduate of the Melbourne Veterinary School and Dean
of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of
Melbourne. He has completed an advanced training
program in large animal internal medicine at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison, and a PhD at the Ohio State University.
Kenneth was a faculty member in the College of Veterinary
Medicine at OSU, rising to professor before joining the
University of Melbourne in 2007.
Ms Kimberley Dripps
BVSc (Hons), MBA, Williamson Fellow
Kimberley started her career as a vet, practising for six years before joining
the Victorian Public Service in 1999. Kimberley was appointed as Executive
Director Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (Department of Sustainability
and Environment) in October 2007. Her Division delivers policy, programs and
research to benefit Victoria’s rich biodiversity. Key policy areas include the Flora
Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, the Wildlife Act 1975 and Victoria’s Native Vegetation
Management Framework, delivered through the Planning and Environment
Act 1987. Recent work has focused on ecological recovery and wildlife rescue
following Victoria’s devastating fires. Kimberley is also a member of the
Community Advisory Board to the YMCA on Youth Justice.
Ms Mary Gillett
BArts
Mary was appointed to the Board in May 2008. She developed her
interest in Victoria’s zoos serving as the State Member for Werribee for
10 years, from 1996 to 2006. As the local member Mary worked closely
with Werribee Open Range Zoo and Zoos Victoria to secure funding for
a number of major developments. Prior to entering Parliament, Mary
worked with the former Federated Storemen and Packers Union (now
the National Union of Workers). Her early career saw her have roles with
the Australian Tax Office and the Industrial Relations Commission.

CORPOrATE GOVERNANCE
& OTHER DISCLOSURE
Manner of establishment and
responsible Minister
The Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
is the governing body of Victoria’s three
great zoos: Melbourne Zoo, Healesville
Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Set up in 1973 as a Statutory Authority,
the Board’s role is to protect and promote
the zoos and their roles in conservation,
research and education.
The Board is appointed by the Victorian
Minister for Environment and Climate
Change, the Hon. Gavin Jennings.
Our Patron: The Governor of Victoria,
Professor David de Kretser, A.C.
Our Minister: The Hon. Gavin Jennings,
Minister for Environment and Climate
Change.
The Zoological Parks & Gardens
Act 1995
The Zoological Parks & Gardens Board
(ZPGB) operates under the Zoological
Parks and Gardens Act 1995 and has
responsibility for the Royal Melbourne
Zoological Gardens, Healesville Sanctuary
and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Zoos
Victoria is the trading name for the
organisation managed by the Board.
Objectives and 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 of matters relating
to the Board’s functions and powers or
on any other matter referred to by the
Minister;
+ to provide consultancy and advice
services to public on zoological matters;
+ to provide services and facilities for
visitors to the zoological parks and
managed land; and
+ to carry out any other functions
conferred on it by this or any other Act.
Duties reserved for the Board include:
+ approval of the strategic direction and
vision;
+ setting appropriate Board policies
providing strategic, ethical and
operational guidance;
+ approval of annual and corporate plans;
+ approval of annual financial reports;
+ reviewing risks, governance and internal
controls; and
+ reporting to the Minister.
No. meetings No. meetings
Board Members eligible to attend attended Appointed
Andrew Fairley 9 8 Appointed Chair 17/4/07
JoAnne Stephenson 9 6 Reappointed 17/4/07
Resigned effective
30 June 2009.
Gaye Hamilton 9 8 Appointed 17/4/07
Pru Sanderson 9 6 Reappointed 21/5/08
Nick Whitby 9 7 Reappointed 21/5/08
Kimberley Dripps 9 7 Appointed 30/4/08
Dr Kenneth Hinchcliff 9 7 Appointed 21/5/08
Mary Gillett 9 6 Appointed 21/5/08
Dr Irene Irvine 9 8 Appointed 21/5/08
36
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

Board Committees
The Board has established the following committees, which oversee the Governance
and Compliance requirements of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board:
Other
Name of Committee ZV Board Members Zoos Victoria Independent
Committee Responsibility (Independent) Management Members
Business To advise, monitor and make recommendations N Whitby (Chair) CEO N/A
Development to the Board in relation to business plans, A Fairley
Committee funding models, long range planning, branding J Stephenson
and environmental and social impacts.
P Sanderson
I Irvine
Remuneration To advise, monitor and make recommendations A Fairley (Chair) CEO N/A
and Governance to the Board of Directors in relation to executive I Irvine HR Director
Committee remuneration, overarching industrial relations K Dripps
policies and guidelines and governance matters,
nominations to Board positions and strategic
risk management.
Audit, Risk and To review the quality of financial reporting, J Stephenson (Chair) CFO S Cowell
Compliance the financial management of the capital M Gillett H Thornton
Committee development program, review financial risk K Hinchcliff
management procedures and monitor regulatory,
legal and internal control compliance.
Science Advisory To advise and assist Zoos Victoria in discharging K Hinchcliff (Chair) Director Wildlife D Choquenot
Committee its responsibilities in relation to science, research Conservation, M Bergman
and conservation activities.
A Bennett
Senior
I Beveridge
Veterinarian
P Menkhorst
Campus Projects To advise monitor and make recommendations G Hamilton (Chair) CEO C Bull
Committee in relation to planning and development of N Whitby GM Capital D Reed
significant campus projects. M Gillett Development & Assets V Walker
P Sanderson GM Major Projects D Gilmour
Animal Welfare To confirm that the care of animals is conducted K Dripps (Chair) N/A J Benvenuti
Peer Review in accordance with Zoos Victoria and industry G Hamilton G Mitchell
Committee policies and procedures, review all animal welfare N Kirby
incident reports and peer review decisions made
J Henley
and conclusions drawn from any investigation
R Kendall
into issues from complaints or concerns about
animal welfare.
A separate report is provided on the Animal
Welfare Peer Review Committee as an
addendum to this annual report.
Industry standards and ARAZPA
Zoos Victoria as a member of the
Australasian Regional Association of
Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA),
is committed to the ARAZPA accreditation
process. Accreditation ensures that
member zoos have consistent standards
of operation and animal welfare. Zoos
Victoria is represented on the ARAZPA
Accreditation and Animal Welfare
Committee, and has four members of staff
who fulfill the role of ARAZPA accreditation
officers. During the reporting period,
Healesville Sanctuary has been advised
of its successful accreditation while
Werribee Zoo underwent a site inspection
in June and awaits a determination by the
ARAZPA Board. Melbourne Zoo is already
accredited.
Freedom of information
Zoos Victoria is a ‘Government Agency’
under the Freedom of Information Act
1982 (FOI) and is required to comply with
the procedures that have been prescribed
under which members of the public may
gain access to documents held by the
Board.
There were no FOI requests in 2008/09.
Decisions were made and information
released for four FOI Requests received
during 2007/08 year.
Details 2008/09 2007/08
Access granted in part 0 2
Access denied in full 0 0
No. Documents 0 0
Matters not finalised
at 30th June 0 4
These requests were
released in full in 2008/09.
Total 0 6
How to make an FOI request
Requests as detailed in Section 17 of the
FOI Act must be made in writing along with
the prescribed fee of $23.40 (as at 1 July
2009) to:
FOI Officer
PO Box 74
Parkville Vic 3052
A written response will be forwarded to the
applicant in accordance with the Act.
Contact Details
Lawrence Tai
FOI Officer
Zoos Victoria
PO Box 74
Parkville Vic 3052
Telephone: (03) 9285 9488
Fax: (03) 9285 9330
Email: foi@zoo.org.au
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 37

Major external reviews
No major external reviews were carried out
on Zoos Victoria in 2008/09.
Subsequent events
There were no matters subsequent to
the financial report being finalised that
significantly affect finances.
Disclosure of major contracts
The Board has disclosed, in accordance
with the requirements of Government
policy and accompanying guidelines, all
contracts greater than $10 million dollars
in value which it entered into during the
year ended 30 June 2009.
Consultancies
The following lists the consultants
engaged in 2008/09 where the cost of the
engagement was $100,000 or above.
Consultant
Wheeler Strobel Consulting Group
Project
Undertake Organisational Structural Review
$’000
Total approved project fee $124
Expenditure 2008/09 $124
Future Expenditure
Nil
In addition, the total for the eight
consultancies engaged during the year,
where the total fees payable to the
consultants was less than $100,000, was
$207,693. Total approved project fees and
expenditure for 2008/09 excludes GST.
National Competition Policy
In 1995, all Australian Governments
(Federal, State and Territory) agreed to
review and, where appropriate, reform
all existing legislative restrictions on
competition. Under National Competition
Policy, the guiding legislative principle is
that legislation, including future legislative
proposals, should not restrict competition
unless it can be demonstrated that:
+ the benefits of the restriction to the
community as a whole outweigh the
costs; and
+ the objectives of the legislation can only
be achieved by restricting competition.
The Board continues to comply with the
requirements of the National Competition
Policy.
Whistleblower Protection Act 2001
The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001
encourages and assists people in making
disclosures of improper conduct by public
officers and public bodies. The Act provides
protection to people who make disclosures
in accordance with the Act and establishes
a system for the matters disclosed to be
investigated and rectifying action to be taken.
The Board does not tolerate improper
conduct by employees, nor the taking
of reprisals against those who come
forward to disclose such conduct. It is
committed to ensuring transparency and
accountability in its administrative and
management practices and supports the
making of disclosures that reveal corrupt
conduct, conduct involving a substantial
mismanagement of public resources, or
conduct involving a substantial risk to
public health and safety or the environment.
The Board will take all reasonable steps to
protect people who make such disclosures
from any detrimental action in reprisal for
making the disclosure. It will also afford
natural justice to the person who is the
subject of the disclosure.
Reporting procedures
Disclosures of improper conduct or
detrimental action by the Board or its
employees may be made to the following
officers:
Stopline
Zoological Parks & Gardens Board
c/o The STOPline
Locked Bag 8
Hawthorn Vic 3122
Facsimile: (03) 9882 4480
Attention: The Zoo
c/o The STOPline
www.stopline.com.au
“TheZoo”disclosure@stopline.com.au
Protected Disclosure Officer
Lawrence Tai
Protected Disclosure Coordinator
ZPGB Locked Bag 210
PO Parkville Vic 3052
Telephone: (03) 9285 9488
Facsimile: (03) 9285 9330
ltai@zoo.org.au
The Ombudsman Victoria
The Ombudsman Victoria
Level 9, 459 Collins St
(North Tower)
Melbourne Vic 3000
Telephone: (03) 9613 6222
Toll Free: 1800 806 314
www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au
ombudsman@ombudsman.vic.gov.au
Disclosures under the
Whistleblower Protection Act
2009 2008
Details Number Number
The number and types
of disclosures made to
public bodies during
the year: Nil Nil
Any recommendations
made by the Ombudsman
that relate to the
public body: Nil Nil
Compliance statement for the
financial management
The Zoological Parks and Gardens
Board of Victoria has complied with the
Financial Compliance Framework Direction
requirements.
Attestation on Compliance with
the Australian/New Zealand Risk
Management Standard
I, Chair of the Audit and Risk and
Compliance Committee of the Board
certify that the Zoological Parks and
Gardens Board has risk management
processes in place consistent with the
Australian/New Zealand Risk Management
Standard and an internal control system
is in place that enables the executive to
understand, manage and satisfactorily
control risk exposures. The Zoological
Parks and Gardens Board verifies this
assurance and that the risk profile of the
Zoological Parks and Gardens Board has
been critically reviewed within the last
12 months.
Kimberley Dripps
Chair
Audit and Risk Management Committee
Zoological Parks and Gardens Board
38
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

Compliance with 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
The major building work undertaken in
2008/09 was the construction of the new
seal exhibit at Melbourne Zoo. Work for
the new Wild Sea Exhibit started in
August 2008.
The zoo ensures that all building projects
were constructed by registered builders in
accordance with approved drawings and
specifications.
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.
Pecuniary interest disclosures
Board members are required to complete
a statement of pecuniary interest including
any relevant share holdings during the year
and have done so. Members are also given
the opportunity to declare specific interest
at the start of each Board meeting.
Implementation of the Victorian
Industry Participation Policy
In October 2003, the Victorian Parliament
passed the Victorian Industry Participation
Policy Act 2003 which requires public
bodies and Departments to report on the
implementation of the Victorian Industry
Participation Policy (VIPP). Departments
and public bodies are required to apply
VIPP in all tenders over $3 million in
metropolitan Melbourne and $1 million in
regional Victoria.
There was one contract in excess of
$10 million awarded in 2007/08 and the
contract met the requirements as outlined
in the VIPP Guidelines. There were no
contracts in excess of $10 million awarded
in 2008/09.
Statement of availability of other
information
Information relevant to the headings listed
in Financial Reporting Direction 22B of the
Financial Management Act 1994 is held
at Zoos Victoria offices and is available
on request, subject to the Freedom of
Information Act 1982.
This information is available on request from:
Lawrence Tai
FOI Officer
Zoos Victoria
PO Box 74
Parkville Vic 3052
Telephone: (03) 9285 9488
Fax: (03) 9285 9330
Email: foi@zoo.org.au
CORPOrATE GOVERNANCE
& OTHER DISCLOSURE
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 39

PUBLICATIONS
Banks CB, Lau MWN and Dudgeon D
(2008) Captive management and breeding
of Romer’s Tree Frog Chirixalus romeri.
International Zoo Yearbook 42: 99-108
Banks C and Thomas J (2009) Joint
venture. World Conservation (IUCN),
April 2009: 17
Blanshard W and Bodley K (2008) Koalas.
In: Medicine of Australian Mammals.
Vogelnest L and Woods R (eds). CSIRO
Publishing, Melbourne, Australia.
Pp. 227-327
Castellano CM, Behler JL and Ultsch G
(2008) Terrestrial movements of hatchling
Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in
agricultural fields. Chelonian Conservation
and Biology 7(1): 113-118
Castellano CM, Behler JL and Amato A
(2008) Genetic diversity and population
genetic structure of the Wood Turtle
(Glyptemys insculpta) at Delaware Water
Gap National Recreation Area, USA.
Conservation Genetics 10: 76-81
Doody JS, Castellano CM, Osborne W,
Corey B and Ross S (2009) Reconciling
farming with wildlife: Managing biodiversity
in the Riverina rice fields. Report to Rural
Industries Research and Development
Corporation. Pp. 131
Doody JS, Green B, Rhind D, Castellano
CM, Sims R and Robinson T (2009)
Population-level declines in Australian
predators caused by an invasive species.
Animal Conservation 12: 46-53
Gordon D (2008) Honouring Indigenous
cultural perspectives for sustainability
education. International Zoo Educators
Journal, Volume 44, pp. 32-35
Gordon K and Lynch P Taking action for
wildlife conservation; 19th March 2009;
Greening Australia Toolbox for
Environmental Change 2009 –
Living Lessons
Lau MWN and Banks C (2008)
Translocation of Romer’s Tree Frog in
Hong Kong SAR, China. In: Soorae, P.S.
(ed.) Global Reintroduction Perspectives:
reintroduction case studies from around
the globe. IUCN/SSC Reintroduction
Specialist Group, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Pp. 47-50
Lynch M (2008) Bandicoots and bilbies. In:
Medicine of Australian Mammals. Vogelnest
L and Woods R (eds). CSIRO Publishing,
Melbourne, Australia. Pp. 439-464
Lynch M, Hoskins A, Nielsen O, and
Arnould J (2008) Disease surveillance
in Australian Fur-seals (Arctocephalus
pusillus doriferus). Proceedings of the
annual conference of the Wildlife Disease
Association, Australasian Section. Pp. 40
Lynch M, Kirkwood R, Burton G, Robson
D, and Arnould J (2008) Investigation of
an alopecia syndrome in Australian Furseals
(Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus).
Proceedings of the annual conference
of the Wildlife Disease Association,
Australasian Section. Pp. 41
Maloney, Daniel K (2009) All You Ever
Wanted to Know About Marsupials. Zoo
Biology Vol. 28, No.3, 271-273. Book
reviews of Life of Marsupials by Hugh
Tyndale-Biscoe and Marsupials by Armati,
Dickman and Hume
McCracken H (2008) Veterinary aspects
of hand-rearing orphaned marsupials. In:
Medicine of Australian Mammals. Vogelnest
L and Woods R (eds). CSIRO Publishing,
Melbourne, Australia. Pp. 13-37
Scheelings F (2009) Diseases and
disorders of Australian lizards. In: Keeping
and Breeding Australian Lizards. Ed: Swan
M, Mike Swan Herp Books. Pp. 58-71
Scheelings TF (2008) Surgical
management of maxillary and mandibular
fractures in an Eastern Bluetongue Skink,
Tiliqua scincoides scincoides. JHMS 17(4):
136-140
Scheelings TF (2008) Pre-ovulatory
follicular stasis in a Yellow-spotted Monitor,
Varanus panoptes panoptes. JHMS 18(1):
18-20
Wilson L and Waldon S (2008) Engaging
the community in our work: a successful
school zoo partnership model. International
Zoo Educators Journal, Volume 44, pp.
18-22
40
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

Baker R, West M & Parrot M (2009)
Veterinary and husbandry challenges
of the critically endangered Mountain
Pygmy Possum (Burramys parvus) a
small marsupial subniveal hibernator.
Proceedings AAZV, Los Angeles
Baker R (2008) Friends of the Leadbeater’s
Possum. AGM. ‘Mountain Pygmy
Possums: Breeding and ecology of a
critically endangered Victorian mammal’
Baker R (2009) Friends of the Helmeted
Honeyeater AGM. ‘Healesville Sanctuary’s
involvement in the recovery program
for Victoria’s critically endangered
bird emblem’
Baker R Wildlife and small institutions AEC,
Department of Primary Industries
Mason P Biological Science AEC,
Monash University
Hammersley G (2009) ‘Victorian bushfire
triage and animal care’. Proceedings
Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia
Conference, Melbourne
Howard M Diet & Dentition; 20th February
2009; Science Teachers Association
Victoria VCE Biology Conference 2009
Jaensch S (2009) What can we do with
an Emu? ASZK Annual Conference,
Darwin, Australia
Killeen S (2008) Orang-utan Sanctuary
- a connect, understand, act experience.
Paper presented as part of an award
winner’s panel at the Interpretation
Australia Association Conference (IAA),
Adelaide, Australia, 2008
Killeen S (2008) The POWER of
Presentations. A workshop presented at
the Interpretation Australia Association
Conference (IAA), Adelaide, Australia, 2008
Killeen S (2009) Creating zoo exhibits as
performance spaces. Paper presented at
the 4th national forum on performance in
cultural institutions, Melbourne,
Australia, 2008
Lowry R (2008) Education for Sustainability
– an essential challenge for the 21st
century zoo. Paper presented at 19th
Biennial Conference of International Zoo
Educators (IZE), Adelaide,
Australia, 2008
Lowry R Behaviour Change Campaigns
for Gen XYZ. 23.03.09 ARAZPA
Conference Proceedings
Pahlow K and Smith L (2009)
When does the zoo turn into a nag?
Generational Differences 25.03.09 ARAZPA
Conference Proceedings
Scheelings TF (2008) Salmonella in wild
and captive Australian reptiles. Conference
Proceedings, Association Reptile and
Amphibian Veterinarians, Los Angeles
Watson P (2009) Healesville Sanctuary’s
role in the conservation of Australia’s only
hibernating marsupial, the Mountain Pygmy
Possum (Burramys parvus). ASZK Annual
Conference, Darwin, Australia
Wilson L and Waldon S (2008) Creating
Partnerships for Conservation. Paper
presented at 19th Biennial Conference of
International Zoo Educators (IZE), Adelaide,
Australia, 2008
PRESENTATIONS/
CONFERENCE
PROCEEDINGS
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 41

ZOOS VICTORIA
FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS
Visionary
Estate of
Jean Coats Reid
Estate of
Alexia Fuller
Estate of
Ethel Marguerite
Cowell Ham
Estate of
Douglas Page
RACV
The Yulgilbar
Foundation
Luminary
HGK Foundation
Husqvarna
Guardian
Ciba (Australia)
Pty Ltd
CSL Limited
Equity Trustees:
Albert George and
Nancy Caroline
Youngman Trust
Melbourne Veterinary
Specialist Centre
Presser Family
- Sunraysia
Foundation
Snowy Nominees
Pty Ltd
The Press Club
Leader
Estate of Miss E A
LeClerc Andersen
ANZ Trustees:
Agnes Back Estate
Aussie Recycling
Program
Clark Rubber
Construction
Plywood Sales
Ian Moffat
Go Natural
Estate of Neil C
Giddens
Estate of John Griffin
Lorna & Alan
Hamilton
Hellenic Republic
Ian Hicks & Family
Inside and Out
ITW Hi-Cone
Mailguard
Mattioli Bros
Ron Melody
Merle Carroll
Assistance Fund
Merrin Foundation
Myer Foundation
Pfizer Australia
Pty Ltd
Estate of
Roma A Parkes
Sid & Fiona Myer
Family Foundation
Mark Stockwell
Estate of
Trevor Strangward
Suzuki Australia
The Norman
Wettenhall
Foundation
The Tony & Lisette
Lewis Foundation
The Vizard
Foundation
Charles White
Champion
Venise Alstergren
Graham Couch FCA
Estate of Kevin S
Cowell
Leanne de Bortoli
– De Bortoli Wines
Donges Supa IGA
Andrew & Jane
Fairley
Fleming’s Nurseries
Fox Symes &
Associates
John Graham
Diana Ruzzene-
Grollo & Rino Grollo
Catrin Huxtable
Ian Johnson
Interpath Services
Lone Pine
Koala Sanctuary
McGregor West
Wong Pty Ltd
Tina McMeckan
Middendorp Electric
Co Pty Ltd
Anastasis Patoulidis
Peninsula Animal
Aid Association Inc.
Richmond Football
Club
Rowville Veterinary
Clinic
Myra Stanley
Estate of Sandra
Louise Waldmann
Ann Williams-
Fitzgerald
Hero
Alavoine
AMCOR Business
Services
American
Association of Zoo
Veterinarians
Australian Mammal
Society
Bairnsdale & District
Orchid Group
Ken & Joy Barassi
Rachel Bastow
Keith & Kay Bedford
BHP Billiton
Bill Murray &
Associates
Boo Tsan Khoo
Joan Burdoch
Jenny Burns
Bill & Joan Butler
Barry & Suzi Carp
– River Capital
Foundation
CCD Animal Health
M Chapman
Lyn Clark
Mark Collins
Judy Cordingley
Cotton on
Foundation
Ann Coventry
Anna Croft
David Croft
Maggie Dickson
Thomas Duffy
Joanne Edwards
Elgee Park Wines
Eltham East
Primary School
Brad & Kim
Ferguson
Dr Nicholas Fisher
Melissa Frost
Gailey Lazarus
Foundation
James & Marged
Goode
Yvonne Gray
Healesville High
School
Kelly Just
Ilana & Leon
Kempler OAM
Kempsey RSPCA
Kerstin Kilian
Dr Judith Kinnear
John Brian Little
Cookie Lloyd
Lomond Hotel
MacMasters Beach
& District Progress
Association
Nigel Michell
Bev Milner
Jacqueline Moth
Naphtali Family
Foundation
Sibylle Noras
Carole O’Brien
Perth Zoo Docent
Association Inc.
Denis Poore
Jeanne Pratt AC
& the late
Richard Pratt AO
Renown Services
Barbara Ritchie
Margaret Ross AM
& Dr Ian Ross
Ivy & Ja Rowland
Helen Sharpley
Peter & Barbara
Shearer
Shire of Kalamunda
Shire of West Arthur
David Siebert
Jeff Slattery
Lady Marigold
Southey AC
Alastair & Molly
Stevenson
Anne Stogdale
Shirley Sullivan
The Calvert-Jones
Foundation
Raphael & Fiona
Geminder – Pratt
Foundation
Penny Townshend
Mrs Turchetti
Elizabeth Turnbull
Lois Tyack
University of
Melbourne -
Faculty of Music
Estate of Jeanette
Van Dorsser
Victorian Concert
Orchestra
Stephen Walmsley
Alan Ward
Warner Village
Theme Parks
Kathryn Weowart
Wesley College
Janet Whiting
Rae Wilson
Woodford District
Bowls Club Inc
Harrison Young
42
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

Major partners
Delaware North
Catering Australia
Friends of the Zoos
(FOTZ)
Nestle Peters
Cadbury
Schweppes
Community
partners
City West Water
Craft Victoria
Greenfleet
Melbourne Water
Mission Australia
SAVE Foundation
Australia
Tikki Hywood Trust
Laurie Chapman -
Universal Weighing
Pty Ltd
Rudy Thomas -
Rite Weight Pty Ltd
Community
conservation
partners
Amcor
Aussie Recycling
Program
Australian Volunteers
International
Greening Australia
Jane Goodall
Institute Australia
Iramoo Sustainable
Community Centre
Mabuwaya
Foundation
Government
partners
Department of
Sustainability and
Environment
International
conservation
partners
Fauna & Flora
International
Northern
Rangelands Trust
Tenkile Conservation
Alliance
Media partners
Herald Sun
Network 10
3AW
Research
partners
The University of
Melbourne
Tourism Research
Unit (TRU) @
Monash University
Supporters
Husqvarna
Mowers Galore
ZOOS VICTORIA
PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
Education
partners
Catholic Education
Commission Victoria
Department of
Education and
Early Childhood
Development
Firestarter
Greening Australia
Iramoo at Victoria
University
Melbourne Water
Pearson Education
ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09 43

Melbourne Zoo
PO Box 74
Parkville Victoria 3052
Elliott Avenue
Parkville Victoria
Tel: 61 3 9285 9300
Fax: 61 3 9285 9350
Healesville Sanctuary
PO Box 248
Healesville Victoria 3777
Badger Creek Road
Healesville Victoria
Tel: 61 3 5957 2800
Fax: 61 3 5957 2870
Werribee Open Range Zoo
PO Box 460
Werribee Victoria 3030
K Road
Werribee Victoria
Tel: 61 3 9731 9600
Fax: 61 3 9731 9644
Zoos Victoria
PO Box 74
Parkville Victoria 3052
Elliott Avenue
Parkville Victoria
Tel: 61 3 9285 9300
Fax: 61 3 9285 9330
Email: zv@zoo.org.au
ABN 96 913 959 053
www.zoo.org.au
State Ownership
© State of Victoria, Zoos Victoria 2009.
This publication is copyright. No part may
be reproduced by any process except
in accordance with the provisions of the
Copyright Act 1968.
Printed on 100% recycled paper.
Photography: Trent Browning,
Max Deliopoulos, Patrick Honan,
Chris Tzaros, Photo pg 24; courtesy
of the Herald Sun.