2010 - 2011 Annual Report - Zoos South Australia

CONTENTSYear In ReviewPresident and CEO’s ReportPresident ReportCEO’s ReportConservation ProgramsConservation ArkVeterinary Conservation ProgramsAssets & InfrastructureAdelaide Zoo, Monarto ZooAnd Warrawong Wildlife SanctuaryGreen TeamWild AfricaOverseas Conservation ToursConservation EducationLibraryInterpretationHistoryThe Animals & HorticultureOverviewLiving CollectionsStatus Of CollectionAppendicesHorticultureWild TimesFinalsCEO’s ReportThe last year has been one of achievement, change andchallenge as we continue our evolution into a more focusedand effective conservation and education organisationwrapped around a wonderful zoo tradition, pride andidentity. As always the whole team of staff, volunteersand wider supporters have been hugely committed andengaged. The President, Kevin McGuinness has thankedeveryone in his report; I have mentioned a selection of thehighlights across the whole organisation, its sites, teams andoutreach work.Starting with the highest profile project, the pandas. Theynot only continue to attract a significantly larger audiencefrom further afield with beneficial economic consequences tothe state at large, they are getting older and closer to startinga family. The teams of keepers and vets have ensured thatWang Wang and Funi are in great condition as they feaston bamboo provided by horticultural colleagues. Funi isnow sporting a patch of clipped fur on her lower abdomenso she can get used to having an ultrasound probe pressedto her skin. She lies patiently as this is rehearsed so thatwhen we believe she may be pregnant we can try to locate atiny little panda foetus….or two. For this moment to arrivewe will have to help the two youngsters navigate courtshipwhen they are both mature. Recent events suggests for WangWang this will be late 2012. Our research collaborationwith Chinese colleagues is proceeding well and it is a greatprivilege to be sharing these amazing ambassadors forconservation with visitors. Elsewhere at Adelaide Zoo weare continuing to maintain a beautiful site with its landscapeand plants.A wet year has meant that the new plantings aroundthe front entrance have grown well and there has beenoverwhelmingly positive feedback about the legacy providedfor future generations. The Living Collection Teams havebeen experimenting with ways to share how they enhancethe lives of the animals in their care through behaviouralenrichment and this has led to an expanding program oftalks and demonstrations to visitors. Our mission to savespecies from extinction and connect people with nature isserved by ensuring that as many visitors as possible leavehaving undergone an emotional transformation and there isno better way than being introduced to wonders of nature bya passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable person, like akeeper. Of course this is in some ways simply extending theexcellent work already happening with volunteers, guidesand members of the education teams providing a uniqueopportunity for people to connect with our animals andtheir conservation.The same kind of experiences are available at Monarto and,as a site, it continues to offer a wonderful sense of visitingAfrica whilst being set in an Australian Mallee reserve.The habitat restoration across the original Monarto siteis providing a long term legacy for local native species ofplant and animal and will allow for wonderful educationaland inspirational connection with our natural heritage. Inaddition, we are part of the Aboriginal Learning on Country(ALOC) scheme with an expanding program in successiveyears. Monarto is unique! There has been something of ababy boom over the last 12 months with ‘Digger’ our whiterhino born on ANZAC Day, hence his very appropriate name.A single, female lion cub has also been born and she will be agreat visitor attraction once assimilated into the group.CEO’s Report– 1 of 3