2008 - 2009 Annual Report - Zoos South Australia

CONTENTSYear In ReviewPresident and CEO’s ReportPresident’s Report 2009CEO’s Report 2009Conservation ProgramsAssets and InfrastructureConservation EducationThe AnimalsLiving collectionsThreatened SpeciesOperationsCommunications and PartnershipsVisitor ExperiencesHuman ResourcesFinancial ReportFinalsPresident’s Report 20092009 has been The Year of Renaissance for Adelaide Zoo, where the Board and Executive have steered an upgrade andrebuilding program to repair dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate fencing and security, and also the construction of amagnificent new Entrance Plaza facing Botanic Park.This makeover has been triggered by the pending arrival of Giant Pandas Funi and Wang Wang, in preparation for theexpected doubling of visitor numbers to Adelaide Zoo.An $18.9 million grant from the State Government of SA facilitated the upgrade, and we are grateful to Premier MikeRann for supporting this project.In January this year 500 hectares of land adjoining Monarto’s northern fenceline was purchased freehold, makingMonarto, at 1500 hectares, the largest open-range Zoo in the world.This valuable addition will allow for expansion of our conservation projects, more space for animal enclosures, and thePresidents Report – 1 of 6