2008-09 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT

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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
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Page 4: About Zoos Victoria Where our visit
Page 7 and 8: Our vision To be the world’s lead
Page 9 and 10: Zoos Victoria has set out confident
Page 11 and 12: Success with threatened species The
Page 13 and 14: Our YEAR IN REVIEW The following se
Page 15: Key achievements Birth of Snow Leop
Page 19 and 20: Key achievements Bumper birthday ye
Page 21 and 22: Key achievements More healthy Tassi
Page 24 and 25: VISITOR & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Zoo
Page 26 and 27: Zoos victoria foundation The Zoos V
Page 28 and 29: OUR SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS Emission
Page 30 and 31: Our PEOPLE Zoos Victoria supports s
Page 32 and 33: Equal employment opportunities Wome
Page 35 and 36: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ZOOS VICTORIA
Page 37 and 38: Mr Nicholas Whitby BBus Nick was ap
Page 39 and 40: Board Committees The Board has esta
Page 41 and 42: Compliance with the Building Act 19
Page 43 and 44: Baker R, West M & Parrot M (2009) V
Page 45: Major partners Delaware North Cater

2008-09 ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT

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