Zoos Victoria Corporate Plan 2012 - 2017 - 0

2012-2017
ZOOS VICTORIA
CORPORATE PLAN
MAKING THE TRANSFORMATION
TO A ZOO-BASED CONSERVATION
ORGANISATION
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017
An introduction from the CEO
Our vision and mission
About Zoos Victoria
Fighting extinction
Our work to date
11
Our people
12
Our animals
13
150 years of fun and conservation

Melbourne Zoo
14
Our corporate plan
16
Key performance indicators
18
The action areas to achieve our vision 19

01 Conservation
20
02 Animals
22
03 Visitors
24
04 People
28
05 Financial sustainability
30
Financial estimates 2012-2017
32
Contents
Foreword from the Chairman
FOREWORD
Progress in the delivery of the vision

for Zoos Victoria to be a zoo-based
conservation organisation has been
significant. As the Chairman I reflect
with pride on the way that Zoos
Victoria has embraced the challenge
to engage visitors in conservation
and enable them to take actions that
protect wildlife.
Fighting Extinction is an exciting way of
understanding the role that zoos can
play in conservation by:
+ Holding and breeding endangered
species
+ Engaging the community in
ways that they can take action
to help wildlife.
The key strategy for 2012/13 is to
deliver on the plans and commitments
that we have made in line with our
vision. It is through our actions that
we will be judged. The implementation
of our Reconciliation Action Plan, our
Conservation and Science Plan and our
Animal Welfare Code are amongst our
most important indicators.
This is a year of very high profile for

Zoos Victoria, with the celebrations of
150 years of operation at Melbourne
Zoo, and hosting the WAZA Conference.
The 150th celebrations have been
designed to create a platform to engage
the community of Melbourne and
expand the influence of Zoos Victoria.
The Mali in the City program will enable
Melbourne Zoo to expand throughout
the City and is a unique way of showcasing a well loved icon.
Memberships have grown substantially
to over 112,000 members. Zoo
members are critical to our ongoing
success and are passionate about our
cause. 2012 /13 will see renewed focus
on members and engaging them in our
conservation mission.
I look forward to the year ahead and
the opportunity to consolidate the
amazing work of Zoos Victoria. In
presenting this plan I acknowledge the
Board of Zoos Victoria and the Staff for
their ongoing contribution, passion and
commitment.
Andrew Fairley
Chairman
Zoos Victoria
INTRODUCTION
When we set out in 2009 to be the

worlds leading zoo-based conservation
organisation, I had concerns. How did
we hope to compete against the great
zoological gardens of the world, San
Diego, Wildlife Conservation Society
(New York) or London Zoo? I had visited
these great institutions and seen the
amount of resources and skills that they
applied to conservation.
Yet there was a gap. Despite the great
work that they all do in the field, none
of it was visible in the zoos that they
operated. They seemed to have a divide
between the operations of the zoos
and the conservation and research
work. Our vision became clearer; to
create a world leading model of the
full integration between conservation
and zoos. To leave visitors with no
doubt that they are not just visiting a
great zoo, but that they are supporting
conservation outcomes.
In the last year our vision has
started to take shape in amazing and
wonderful ways. The staff workshops
in 2011 threw up literally hundreds of
ideas on how Zoos Victoria not only
fights extinction but also can share
the message with visitors and the
wider community. Decals appeared on
windows, even my car, phone messages
changed, umbrellas, staff t-shirts and
enclosures were branded Fighting
Extinction. The retail shops have had a
conservation make over and are part of
our story telling.
But more importantly the substance of

our work has been changing.
The commitment to no extinctions on
our watch has gained traction. Plans
for the 20 most threatened species
have been developed. Permits secured
and animals brought into the collection.
We now hold 15 of the top 20
threatened species. Threatened species
have been brought onto display and
are acting as ambassadors for their
species. Many stakeholders and staff
have been introduced to an Eastern
Barred Bandicoot. Feral proof fences
have been erected around Werribee
and Healesville, creating safe havens
for future releases. Our talks and
presentations have all been enhanced
to promote the commitment to fighting
extinction. Community conservation
campaigns are visible at all three zoos.
The new brand identity reinforces the
role of Zoos Victoria and the three great
zoos in fighting extinction. The roll out
is breathing new life into the graphical
elements and will engage visitors and
the community in our vision.
In October 2012 over 200 zoo directors

from around the world will descend
on Melbourne for the WAZA (World
Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
conference. They have heard me speak
of our ambitions. I have cajoled others
to join our commitment to fighting
extinction. I have presented papers
calling for zoos to commit to saving
at least one local threatened species.
I am looking forward to the conference
and the opportunity for us to show the
zoo world what we mean by zoo-based
conservation, I think they will
be impressed.
I no longer have concerns. In the space
of combining zoos and conservation
outcomes we are the world leader.
Jenny Gray
CEO
Zoos Victoria
It is hard to capture the enormous work

and effort that has gone into a year at
Zoos Victoria. Each time I pause and
consider our vision I am astounded at
how far we have come and how much
we have achieved. As we celebrate the
150th birthday of Melbourne Zoo we
get a chance to see just how much
has changed.
Vision &
Mission
Our vision
To be the worlds 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 properties;
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.
ABOUT ZOOS
VICTORIA
Our zoos
Melbourne Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Zoos Victoria is a not for profit, zoobased conservation organisation,

delivering conservation outcomes
through the work that we do at our
three zoos. We are committed to
fighting extinction locally and abroad,
prioritising our efforts to saving
native species living within our own
backyard, as we work hard and fast
to ensure that no Victorian terrestrial
vertebrate species goes extinct on
our watch. We will achieve this by
applying our specialised skills in the
captive holding and management of
threatened species, working closely
with partners to ensure success in the
wild and utilising our unique position
to influence behaviour changes
within communities in support of wild
populations and habitats.
Melbourne Zoo is an immersive

animal experience that captivates
the hearts of all ages and galvanises
them to act to protect and enhance
the worlds wildlife and wild places.
Zoos Victorias aspiration to be the
organisation is reflected in all facets of
Melbourne Zoos programs, projects
and operations. Drawing on its heritage
it provides a unique Melbourne
experience that has been valued and
cherished for 150 years. Our exhibits
and gardens offer diverse and closeup experiences designed to connect
visitors with wildlife, to help them
better understand the issues facing the
animals with which we share our planet.
We also provide solutions and actions
each visitor can take to help protect the
worlds wildlife and wild places.
Werribee Open Range Zoo provides

an open range and up close adventure
featuring grassland animals of Africa,
North America, Asia and Australia. The
most popular and unique experience
is the safari bus which journeys
visitors into the expansive open range
grasslands to view mixed herds of large
iconic animals such as rhino, giraffe
and zebra. Werribee Open Range Zoo
is also now well known for its specialty
close encounter experiences that allow
visitors to feed giraffe, touch a rhino
or sleep over at the zoo. The Safari bus
tour is complemented by a range of
walking trails and keeper talks enabling
visitors to view additional animals such
as hippos, lions, gorillas, monkeys
and meerkats within richly themed
landscapes. Werribee Open Range
Zoo is the youngest property of Zoos
Victoria and although it has enjoyed
many changes over its 29 year history,
it will continue to grow its capability
significantly in the future.
As an organisation that operates three

world-class zoos, we are uniquely
placed to inspire the millions of visitors
that attend our properties and the
wider community to take conservation
action and to work with animals that
require assistance to survive. The
three properties are portals that
link community and animals in ways
that inspire and engage people. The
unique nature of each property allows
for a wide range of messages and
interactions, while meeting the needs
of young families, regional visitors and
international tourists.
We raise over 70% of our operating
budget through zoo based activities
including admissions, commercial
sales, corporate sponsorships and
philanthropic donations and grants.
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary supports the
future for Australian wildlife and
culture. At the Sanctuary the wonder
of the Australian bush comes alive.
We experience the wildlife with
which we share this land from many
perspectives, including those of
Indigenous people. We discover ways
of rescuing wildlife and managing
habitats. Nowhere else will visitors
gain such a rich understanding of the
Australian environment, its wildlife and
what Australians are doing to conserve
it. Interactive experiences and animal
encounters are a trade mark of
Healesville Sanctuary the Spirits of
the Sky, Land of Parrots and Fearsome
to Awesome reptile presentation allow
up-close engagement with the cryptic
and shy wildlife of Australia.
Our Statutory Mandate
Our Minister
The Zoological Parks & Gardens Board

(ZPGB) operates under the Zoological
Parks and Gardens Act 1995 and has
responsibility for the Royal Melbourne
Zoological Garden (MZ), Healesville
Sanctuary (HS) and Werribee Open
Range Zoo (WORZ). The Act, in brief,
mandates the organisation to:
Ryan Smith, Minister for Environment

and Climate Change. Zoos Victoria is
committed to working collaboratively
with the Minister for Environment
and Climate Change to achieve our
vision of becoming the worlds leading
zoo-based conservation organisation.
We will work with the Minister and
his Department to explore solutions
for much needed capital upgrades
and recurrent funding sustainability,
and to deliver improved conservation
outcomes and biodiversity gain.
+ Conserve, protect, manage and

improve the Zoos and their assets;
+ Promote and increase public
enjoyment of the Zoos and their
assets;
+ Increase public knowledge/
awareness of the Zoos through
exhibition, publications, educational
programs, advisory services and
other activities;
+ Carry out and promote zoological
research and conservation of wildlife
and its natural habitats;
+ Provide consultancy and advice
services to public on zoological
matters.
Fighting
Extinction
In achieving our vision

to be the worlds leading
zoo-based conservation
organisation, Zoos
Victoria intends to be the
Australian authority on
the captive holding and
management of native
threatened species and
the major facilitator
of wildlife knowledge
leading to conservation
action. As a zoo based
conservation organisation,
Zoos Victoria focuses
efforts on two fronts
wildlife conservation and
community conservation.
Wildlife conservation
Our wildlife conservation focuses on
providing direct support for threatened
animals and habitats. We breed
threatened species and reintroduce
them to the wild to ensure their
survival. We are active partners in eight
conservation programs in Australia
and we work with six international
communities to help save wildlife and
the places they live in from Papua
New Guinea and South East Asian
countries of the Philippines, Malaysia
and Cambodia to the African nations
of Kenya and Democratic Republic of
Congo.
Our Australian programs

Much of Australias unique wildlife is
under threat from habitat loss, feral
animals, landscape fragmentation,
disease and, potentially, climate change.
Zoos Victoria plays a key role in the
recovery of the following Australian
threatened species:
Tasmanian Devil
Eastern Barred Bandicoot
Mountain Pygmy-possum
Leadbeaters Possum
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby
Orange-bellied Parrot
Helmeted Honeyeater
Regent Honeyeater
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
Southern Corroboree Frog
Northern Corroboree Frog
Baw Baw Frog
Spotted Tree Frog
Alpine She Oak Skink
Guthega Skink
Our international programs
Community conservation
Zoos Victoria works with local

communities, governments and non
government organisations to mitigate
threats to wildlife, develop sustainable
alternative livelihoods, and foster
community and government support
for conservation. By focusing on a
select number of priority programs and
developing close in-country partnerships,
we ensure that our contributions have a
significant effect, achieving sustainable
long-term outcomes for biodiversity.
Zoos Victoria is involved in the following
international conservation programs:
Our community conservation effort

aims to inspire the millions of people
that visit our properties and the wider
community to take conservation
action that helps wildlife and wild
places across the globe. Saving wildlife
doesnt have to be hard.
Our campaigns provide visitors with
simple actions that make a real
difference to wildlife all over the world.
From signing petitions and recycling
mobile phones to making informed
consumer choices we are inspiring
people to make a difference.
+ Papua New Guinea Protecting

biodiversity in the Torricelli
Mountains of PNG by developing
alternative protein sources,
negotiating conservation agreements
and studying Critically Endangered
tree-kangaroo species.
+ Kenya working with the Melako
Community Conservancy in
northern Kenya to save wildlife and
develop sustainable alternative
livelihoods for nomadic pastoralists.
+ Sabah Protecting rainforest
along the Kinabatangan River for
wildlife in northern Borneo through
research, forest management,
community engagement and
sustainable alternative livelihood
development.
+ Democratic Republic of Congo
Developing community reserves
that protect rainforest habitat
for wildlife, improve community
health and education, and establish
sustainable alternative livelihoods
for local communities.
+ Cambodia Studying and protecting
two million hectares of wilderness
in the Cardamom Mountains one
of the most important areas for
biodiversity in Asia.
+ Philippines working closely with
Philippine agencies and local
communities to conserve the
most important population of the
Critically Endangered Philippines
Crocodile.
Our current community

conservation campaigns
+ Beads for Wildlife Helping families
and wildlife in northern Kenya
survive drought by selling beautiful
beaded decorations and jewellery
in our retail outlets. In 2012/13 we
will continue to grow sales and
investigate ways for other partners
to take on the program. Werribee
Open Range Zoo is redeveloping its
renowned safari tour to centre on
the Beads for Wildlife program.
+ Wipe for Wildlife Encouraging the
use of recycled toilet paper to help
save the six million trees flushed
down our toilets every year. In
2012/13 we will focus on a refreshed
message and further integration into
on-site experiences using visible, fun
behaviour change interpretation.
+ Dont Palm us Off A campaign

that aims to get palm oil labelled
on all food products to create a
sustainable palm oil industry and
help orang-utans in the wild. In
2012/13 we will refresh advocacy
focused on certified sustainable
palm oil and implement visible, fun
behaviour change interpretation at
Melbourne Zoo.
+ Seal the Loop Working with Parks
Victoria to reduce marine wildlife
entanglements by placing bins
made from recycled plastic waste
into selected fishing locations. We
will investigate ways to increase
involvement of communities where
bins are located and implement
visible, fun behaviour change
interpretation at Wild Sea.
+ Wash for Wildlife - Engaging visitors
on the need to use phosphate free
products. In 2012/13 the program
will be expanded from Melbourne
Zoo and will be a key message in
the new Platypus presentation at
Healesville Sanctuary.
+ Fighting Extinction Engaging
visitors in the need to support
Zoos Victoria with a tax deductible
donation or by adopting an animal.
+ Theyre Calling on You A mobile

phone recycling campaign that
helps save gorillas in the wild. In
2012/13 we will build corporate
involvement, implement visible, fun
behaviour change interpretation in
Gorilla Rainforest at Melbourne Zoo
and expand gorilla interpretation
through face to face interpretations
at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Zooperman and the

Extinction Fighters
Achieving success as a
conservation organisation
requires a strong level
of engagement by the
community in order to
reduce the threats to
wildlife. Recognising
that many of the
local species we have
committed to save are
relatively unknown in the
community and that our
core audience consists
of little fun seeking
animal lovers with their
conservation caretakers,
we have created a
series of child friendly
characters to assist
in driving community
interest and emotional
connections.
10
Who is Zooperman?
Who are the Extinction Fighters?
Is it a Helmeted Honeyeater? Is it a
Southern Bent-wing Bat? Is it a flying
Corroboree frog? NO! Its ZOOPERMAN
our real zooper hero, fighting
extinction!
The Extinction Fighters are a band

of twenty incredible Australian native
species animals that are found in
the south-east corner of Australia and
which are all under serious threat!
Zooperman is the new zooper hero for

Zoos Victoria an individual not scared
to tackle the big conservation issues.
Zooperman is fighting extinction, along
with his band of 20 Extinction Fighters
(who also happen to be the same 20
priority species that Zoos Victoria has
committed to help).
The Extinction Fighters work

alongside Zooperman to spread the
word of unsung local species and how
everyone can make a difference and
fight extinction, just like them!
Zooperman is the spokesperson for

the entire Fighting Extinction package
of Zoos Victoria: six community
conservation campaigns, six global
programs, twenty native species and
many research projects. Zooperman
is here to spread the message that
everyone can be a zooper-hero and
help Zoos Victoria to fight extinction!
Although Zooperman often leads the

way for Zoos Victoria, he relies heavily
upon this incredible band of twenty
who look to their natural animal
leader, the Leadbeaters Possum! It
was the Leadbeaters Possum and her
forest fairy magic that allowed each
of the animals to use their own special
attributes to become super powers...
The team of Extinction Fighters
will grow over time, as the recovery
populations of these species come
into the Zoos Victoria collection and
have their profile raised. These little
native heroes will allow families and
children to build their own stories, pick
their favourite local to identify with
and love and highlight a unique group
of fauna of which many Australians
are unaware. Where Zooperman may
be better placed to talk more about
global programs and campaigns, the
Extinction Fighters will be a mighty
voice for native fauna and the threats
they are facing. They will help the public
learn to love their locals and take action
to ensure their survival. Everyone
can be a hero and help fight species
extinction, no matter how small, young,
old, furry or slimy you are.
Our work
to date
2010 to 2012 saw a focus on increased capacity and effectiveness
aligned with the strategic intent. Incremental improvements have
been achieved across a wide range of operational areas:
+ The organisation developed a

number of plans and policies to give
effect to the vision:
Conservation Plan
Reconciliation Action Plan
Animal Welfare Code
Occupational Health and
Safety Code
Governance Handbook
Code of Conduct
Membership Plan
Foundation Fundraising Plan
Student Learning Framework
+ A new brand identity was developed
for Zoos Victoria and the three
campuses
+ A capital development business
case was completed and submitted
for government funding based on
campus development plans
+ New facilities have been constructed

including the vet hospital at
WORZ, the Baboon enclosure; the
gorilla bachelor facility, new safari
station, corporate office and many
improvements to visitor facilities
+ Visitors have increased from
1,500,000 (2008/09) to a projected
1,850,000 (2011/12)
+ Members have increased from
72,000 to 112,000
+ Animal Adopters and donors have
increased to over 15,000
+ Over 500,000 visitors have been
engaged in conservation actions
+ The most endangered Victorian
species have been identified and
15 species secured in human care
+ The Fighting Extinction narrative is
engaging staff and visitors with the
conservation intent of Zoos Victoria.
+ Donations and pledges of over $6.7

million have been secured towards
Safe Haven Appeal, which aims to
raise $85 million towards capital
improvements over 5 years
+ Role clarity project identified the
need to restructure the leadership
at each campus and bolster
leadership skills
+ Free entry for children was
implemented
11
our people
Our people
Our members
Visitor snapshot
Zoos Victoria employs over 650

people in a range of specialist roles
from keeping and curatorial staff, to
horticulture, works, marketing, finance,
education, conservation, research,
retail and visitor experience. We have
a diverse workforce of skilled and
dedicated people who are our most
valued asset.
Zoos Victoria has 112,000 members,

making us one of the largest member
institutions in Victoria. Members enjoy
the following benefits:
+ Free entry for children on weekends,

public holidays and school holidays
was introduced on 1 July 2011
Our volunteers
Friends of the Zoos Limited is an
independent, non-profit organisation
established to support Zoos Victoria
and wildlife conservation. FOTZ Ltd has
been operating for 30 years providing
financial and in kind support. More than
700 FOTZ volunteers are active across
all Zoos Victoria properties as guides,
information officers and general
supporters.
+ Unlimited free priority entry to

Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne
Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo
for 12 months
+ Reciprocal access to interstate zoos;
Taronga Zoo, Perth Zoo, Adelaide
Zoo, Western Plains Zoo, Monarto
Zoo
+ News, updates and happenings at
the three Zoos via e-Newsletters
and the quarterly member magazine
Zoo News
+ Up to 50% discount on Twilights
Concert tickets
+ 15% discount at Zoo Shops
+ 10% discount on selected Wild
Encounters and Behind the Scenes
experiences
+ Member invitations to select events
and activities.
Our visitors
More than 1.85 million people visited
our three properties in 2011/12, making
us one of Victorias largest paid
tourism attractions. We are also one of
the largest non-classroom educators in
the State, with approximately 160,000
students visiting our three campuses
each year.
+ Visitor numbers have risen from 1.50

million in 2008/09 to 1.85 million in
2011/12
+ Zoos Victorias visitor base is
predominately families with young
children
+ Memberships have increased from
72,000 (2009) to 112,000
+ More than 15,000 people have
supported our zoo by making an
individual donation or by committing
to a monthly donation and Adopting
an Animal
+ Visitors tend to come from
metropolitan Melbourne and stay for
3-4 hours each visit. A typical group
size is four people and their main
reason for visiting is an outing with
family and friends
+ Predominantly our visitors are from
Victoria, 80%, with the remainder
from interstate and overseas
+ More than 1.6 million people visit our
website each year
+ Through our community
conservation campaigns, we
extend our reach beyond our gates.
Over 500,000 have undertaken
conservation action since 2009.
Zoos Victoria
where our visitors come from
Metropolitan
Victoria
68%
12%
Regional
Victoria
8%
12%
Overseas
12
Interstate
our animals
Zoos Victorias total collection includes

more than 3,300 animals ranging from
popular native Australian animals to rare
and threatened species from both here
and overseas.

Animal Type
No. of Specimens
31 Jan 2012
Fish
207
Amphibian
562
Reptile
548
Bird
1217
Mammal
831
Total
3365
27
160
Amphibian
17
340
Reptile
72
338
105
557
61
287
282
1682
Mammal
Total
No. of
No. of
Species Specimens
Fish
38
Amphibian
212
Reptile
45
169
Bird
79
605
Mammal
61
314
168
1338
Total

animal collection
Fish
No. of
No. of
Species Specimens
Fish
Bird
31 Jan 2012
Animal Type
31 Jan 2012
Animal Type
Melbourne Zoo
animal collection
31 Jan 2012
Animal Type
animal collection
Amphibian
Reptile
Bird
Mammal
Total
No. of
No. of
Species Specimens
4
10
12
41
55
31
230
55
345
13
150 years of fun

and conservation
Melbourne Zoo
In 2012 Melbourne Zoo

will celebrate our 150th
birthday. Weve come
a long way since our
humble beginnings as an
Acclimatisation Society.
Today we are one of the
most established and
best known city zoos in
the world.
Key activities in 2012

150 Years Melbourne Zoo, the
commemorative book has been
published to celebrate Melbourne Zoos
amazing history. The limited edition
hard and soft cover books complete
with glossy images, unbelievable
anecdotes and a timeline of history
through the years will be available in
zoo stores in March 2012.
Later in the year, the streets of

Melbourne will play host to the Zoos
famous character, baby Asian Elephant
calf, Mali. The one-of-a-kind public art
event, Mali in the City, will feature a
herd of 50 artist-designed sculpture
Malis that will appear across the city
from August to September. Artist
David Bromley is the Art Patron of
Mali in the City and will be participating
in the event by painting two of the
Mali sculptures. Following their city
experience the herd of Malis will
move to Melbourne Zoo for a final
farewell, before being auctioned off
with proceeds specifically directed to
Zoos Victorias Wildlife and Community
Conservation programs.
A Mali in my School program will

support the Mali in the City program
with 60 mini Mali sculptures at
schools all around Victoria, to provide
awareness of our education message
of Fighting Extinction.
14
During the June/July school holidays

Mali in the City will take over the
Melbourne Myer Windows. An
interactive display showcasing some
of our best artist painted Malis will
grace the windows and tell our
150th Birthday story.
Federation Square has partnered with

Zoos Victoria to present the 150th
Conservation Lecture Series. A series
of lectures will be held throughout
the year at the BMW Edge within
Federation Square. Topics have
been developed that highlight the
breadth and depth of Zoos Victorias
conservation and animal care work and
provide opportunities for our friends
and partners to join in the 150th
birthday celebrations.
A public party in October will invite

1,000 families through a competition/
ballot to celebrate our special
birthday on the lawns of Melbourne
Zoo with entertainment and catering.
A VIP event in Leopard Lodge will
compliment the party with delegates
from the WAZA conference invited to
take part.
To enhance Melbourne Zoos presence

in the city, we will have various outdoor
and banner advertising including city
flags and hubs, Federation Square
visitor centre wrap, freeway banners
and City Circle trams. Our 150th
celebrations will take over the CBD.
Memory Lane/Heart of the Zoo will

invite visitors to send us their favourite
family images of their visits to the Zoo.
Selected images will be transformed
into a temporary photographic
exhibition along the Zoos Main Drive,
transforming the drive into Memory
Lane.
Keeper Kids is a new play-based indoor

experience that gives young children
and their families the opportunity to
discover what its like to work at the
Zoo. It will be popular with members
and is an important part of the zoos
membership growth plan.
As a partner with the City of Melbourne

we will participate in Moomba & NYEs
2012/13. A stall at Moomba within the
Childrens Garden will promote our
community conservation messages
in March, followed by a stall on New
Years Eve, celebrating our 150th year.
Growing Wild is a new precinct that will

deliver play-based experiences where
the story of animals homes is told
through the Ground, Tree and Water
zones. It aims to nurture an early love
for nature through engaging the hearts
and minds of children aged between
three and eight years and their families.
At the heart of the Precinct is the Story
Tree, a mature fig tree that will provide
a place to meet animals and share
stories. The first stage, the Ground
Zone will be launched in late 2012.
A series of concerts will be presented

by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
in Melbourne Zoos Leopard Lodge
during the October school holidays,
celebrating the Carnival of Animals.
15
our corporate
plan
In 2009 Zoos Victoria adopted a

new strategic direction that will see
the organisation transform into the
organisation. The strategic direction
commits Zoos Victoria to embrace a
much larger and more active role in
conservation.
Zoos Victoria will specialise in the
captive holding and management of
threatened species and in influencing
behaviour changes within communities
to support wild populations and their
habitats. The transition to a zoo-based
conservation organisation positions
Zoos Victoria as an important member
of the conservation industry. The full
impact of our work will be recognised
as an integral part of helping save
wildlife and wild places, both in
Victoria, and in our priority areas of
south-eastern Australia, Papua New
Guinea, South-east Asia and SubSaharan Africa.
To achieve this vision five action areas
have been established to ensure that
our commitment to conservation is
achieved:
1 Conservation
We will focus and strengthen the
conservation efforts of Zoos Victoria
to ensure the delivery of tangible
2 Animals
We will establish Zoos Victoria as
one of the leading organisations for
creating net gains in conservation,
through ensuring that every species
in our collection has conservation
relevance.
3 Visitors
We will provide innovative wildlifebased recreation and learning
experiences that inspire and facilitate
visitors to take conservation actions
that make a measurable and positive
difference.
4 People
We will support our staffs
development to ensure they, and the
organisation as a whole, can transform
Zoos Victoria into a zoo-based
conservation organisation.
5 Financial Sustainability
We will ensure the long-term financial
sustainability of all our operations to
be able to maintain and improve the
value of assets and make meaningful
and measurable investment in
conservation.
16
17
Key Performance
Indicators
Zoos Victoria will measure performance against the key indicators listed below.
The targets for June 2015 indicate an optimistic scenario based on a successful
capital bid, resulting in enhanced facilities and improved visitor experiences.
The targets plot a journey from 2009 to 2015.
Action
Outcome
Area
Performance
Indicator
June 2009
June 2013
Base
June 2015
Conservation Recognition as a leading

Ranking by general public of
2.5%
5%
20%

conservation/environmental Victoria relative to other conservation

organisation
/ environmental organisations
Conservation Budget delivering

conservation outcomes

Clear alignment of activities

to wildlife and community
conservation outcomes
Conservation Zoos Victoria

Carbon equivalent (CO2e)

Carbon Footprint
Animals

13%
30%
9012 tonnes
CO2e*
10% reduction 20% reduction

and 90% offset and 80% offset
Alignment of the collection Conservation value of the

10/70
15/70
with conservation
animal collection tracked by
objectives
the species selection tool
40%
30/70
Animals
Exemplary standards

of animal care

Avoidable deaths as determined

by the Animal Welfare Peer
Review Commitee
Visitors

Total of all visitors to the three

properties
1,500,000
1,850,000
1,950,000
Visitors
Improved Net Promoter

Score

The promoters minus the

detractors as measured on
the exit survey
49
55
60
Visitors
Participation in

conservation action

Number of people influenced

120,000*
to undertake measurable
conservation action
200,000
400,000
People
Staff engagement

with the strategy

The percentage response of

good or very good to the
statement I am engaged with
the vision of Zoos Victoria
85%
90%
95%
People
Staff satisfaction

The percentage response of

good or very good to the
statement I am satisfied with
my job
74%
74%
85%
People
Lost Time Injury
Number of lost time injuries

18
12
People
Injury severity

Work cover premium OR

Claim costs
$561,746
$929,185
$340,000
$250,000
$300,000
$180,000
Financial
Average yield per visitor
Sustainability

Total revenue
$22.84
$27.36
(excluding government grant)
divided by total visitors
$29.00
Financial
Asset maintenance
Sustainability
Total spent on maintaining

assets, plant and equipment
$6,000,000
18
Total visitor
numbers
$5,300,000
$4,600,000
The action areas

to achieve our vision
2012/13
19
O1
Conservation
We will focus and

strengthen the
conservation efforts of
Zoos Victoria to ensure
the delivery of tangible
Every project, program and operation of
Zoos Victoria is aligned to the delivery
of conservation outcomes that result
in biodiversity gain in the wild. As such,
we are taking the core of the World Zoo
and Aquarium Conservation Strategy,
integrated conservation, to a new level.
Conservation is the core business of
the organisation and we manifest this
on two fronts wildlife conservation
and community conservation that
work to conserve threatened species,
support direct conservation activities
and harness public action behind our
conservation effort. We also strive to
protect and celebrate the landscapes
within our properties that have natural
and heritage value, both historic and
cultural.
Strengthening these wider conservation
actions, we can demonstrate our
commitment at home by achieving
carbon neutrality by 2012.
Together, these outcomes will generate
community recognition of Zoos Victoria
as a leading conservation organisation.
In the upcoming year Zoos Victoria is
committed to keeping a close eye on
Victorias native threatened species,
as we work to ensure that no Victorian
terrestrial vertebrate species goes
extinct on our watch. In honoring
this commitment, Zoos Victoria will
work with 20 species on the brink of
extinction. Those that are not yet within
our care will enter our safe haven.
Threatened species within our care
will be managed to ensure that healthy
insurance populations are established
that will support our ambitions for
release to the wild.
20
Our Conservation Objectives
Focus areas for 2012/13
1 To have a robust portfolio of

conservation programs that:
+ Progress our Fighting Extinction

efforts to ensure that no terrestrial
Victorian vertebrate species goes
extinct.
+ Achieve habitat protection and/or

threatened species recovery
in the wild.
+ Impact local, regional and
international priority projects
ensuring that our efforts to
fight extinction drive social and
environmental gains.
+ Are underpinned by strong
science.
+ Are both recognised and valued
by our stakeholders and partners.
2 To run successful call-to-action
environmental campaigns and
programs that are linked to our
priority conservation programs and/
or those of partners such as the
Victorian Government (our tasks
for this objective are outlined under
Visitors).
3 To ensure staff and Friends of the
Zoos volunteers are knowledgeable /
supportive and actively engaged in,
and advocates of, our conservation
programs.
4 To be recognised as a leader in
environmental sustainability.
5 To position Zoos Victoria as a
leading authority and knowledge
centre for the conservation of
species and habitat in our chosen
programs and targeted regions
Australasia, South-east Asia and
Sub-Saharan Africa.
+ Increase the alignment of Zoos

Victorias animal collection with
+ Certify our Environmental
Management System to ISO 14001.
+ Extend the impact of Zoos Victorias
involvement in international
conservation programs through
partnerships that trial eco-socio
methodology.
Our conservation action plan

The tasks we must undertake
to deliver the vision
1.1 Ensure no native Victorian
terrestrial vertebrate species goes
extinct in the next five years.
What we will do in 2012/13
Leadership
+ Establish captive groups of species identified as at risk of

extinction, in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Director Wildlife
Conservation
+ Develop translocation plans to support the acquisition of priority

Fighting Extinction (FE) species as identified in FE plans.
Director Wildlife
Conservation
+ Active participation in Eastern Barred Bandicoot recovery program. WORZ Director
1.2 Contribute to global species

recovery through holistic
international field programs
+ Showcase the FE work at HS across the site and in the FE Hub.
HS Director
+ Broaden the scope and effectiveness of our wildlife conservation

programs by building the eco-socio capacity of our international
partnerships, ensuring that local communities benefit from our
field conservation efforts.
Director Wildlife
Conservation
+ Develop time-bound measures for each ZV conservation program.

1.3 Conserve existing native habitat
and native species on land
managed by Zoos Victoria.
+ Implement the Coranderrk Reserve Restoration Plan.
HS Director
+ Substantially increase the native floral diversity across HS.

+ Implement the Werribee River Management Plan.
WORZ Director
+ Identify and manage all threatened fauna and flora species

free-ranging on ZV land.
Property Directors
+ Feral eradication within Coranderrk and WORZ.

1.4 Implement research to improve
and evaluate the effectiveness of
our conservation activities and
enhance the quality of animal care
and wellbeing.
+ Assess all current and proposed research projects against

ZBCO criteria, prioritising research investment against
conservation and welfare requirements.
Director Wildlife
Conservation
+ Investigate population genetics of the New Holland Mouse to

assess need for conservation intervention.
+ Submit at least one proposal for significant external research
funding to enhance behavioural fitness outcomes of Eastern
Barred Bandicoot breeding program.
1.5 Improve capacity to implement

priority research.
+ Develop new collaborations with external researchers in key

areas of need.
Director Wildlife
Conservation
+ Increase staff capability to participate in research in key areas

of need.
1.6 Demonstrate leadership in
research and improve knowledge
dissemination.
+ Promote our research profile through the publication of four

scientific research papers in high quality scientific publications
1.7 Demonstrate innovation and

leadership in environmental
sustainability.
+ Maintain ZV Environmental Management System certification

to the ISO 14001:2004 standard.
Director Wildlife
Conservation
+ Demonstrate communication through at least three

mainstream mediums
Director Wildlife
Conservation
+ Finalise business plan for long-term carbon neutral strategy.

+ Identify at least three resource efficiency projects at ZV properties
that reduce ZVs environmental footprint and implement those
having a return on investment of three years or less.
+ Integrate Environmental Sustainable Design criteria into all ZV
project planning and implementation.
+ Activate Green Procurement Policy through ZV operations.

21
O2
ANIMALS
We will establish Zoos

Victoria as one of the
leading organisations
for creating net gains in
conservation, through
ensuring that every
species in our collection
has conservation
relevance.
We strive to be a world leader in animal
care and wellbeing. Using our species
selection and assessment tool we
have identified the contribution of our
collection to conservation outcomes.
We are actively transitioning our
animal collection to one that aligns with
a zoo-based conservation organisation
in which collection animals are active
advocates for wildlife conservation.
Consistent with the World Zoo and
Aquarium Conservation Strategy,
management of our animal collection
reflects species life history parameters
and is based on sound knowledge,
embracing population management,
reproductive biology, genetics,
behaviour, physiology, nutrition,
veterinary care and husbandry to
support a sustainable animal collection.
We use our Animal Welfare Code to
ensure that the delivery of these
objectives provides for the health and
wellbeing of the animals in our care.
In the next year we will continue to

ensure that our commitment to Zoos
Victorias animal collection remains
front of mind for all that have the
privilege of working with the animals
entrusted within our care. We will
conduct transparent audits to ensure
that we continue to improve and
exceed welfare standards, and will
increase our investment in welfarebased research to identify areas that
require further improvement and
innovation.
We work with animals that are able to
contribute to conservation outcomes in
the following five ways:
+ Recovery Species those species
that are part of a threatened species
recovery program.
+ Ark Species those species that
are under threat of extinction in
the wild and are part of regional
and international captive breeding
programs that are designed to
ensure the species survival in
captivity.
+ Ambassador Species those species
that support conservation messages
and have the capacity to harness
visitor and community action behind
conservation efforts.
+ Enabling Species those species
that enable visitors to make
connections with animals and create
emotional bonds that stimulate
learning and positive actions that
will help save species.
+ Research Species those
species that enable research
and knowledge acquisition that
support our conservation efforts
or improvements in the care and
wellbeing of wildlife.
22
Our Animal Objectives

1 To have a sustainable, managed
collection that supports our
conservation framework.
2 To deliver worlds best practices in
animal husbandry.
3 To build a strong alignment between
the visitor experience and life
sciences areas of the organisation
so that conservation and visitor
experience are inextricably linked
in collection planning, in operations
and in the skills and expertise of the
respective staff.
4 To position Zoos Victoria as a
respected authority for the welfare
and wellbeing of wild animals.

+ Further alignment of the collection
with conservation outcomes and
increasing the conservation value of
the collection.
+ Effective information management.
+ Ensure high standards of animal
care and welfare.
Our animal action plan

Leadership
2.1 Programmed review of all species in

our collection, and those planned for
acquisition, to ensure that they meet
Zoos Victorias new conservation
and visitor experience objectives.
+ Measure progress towards alignment with conservation goals.
Director Wildlife
Conservation
2.2 Establish leading animal care

knowledge bank within Zoos
Victoria so that we are constantly
able to evolve our management
plans in line with worlds best
practice.
+ Deliver training modules to close skill-gaps and progress

animal husbandry within priority areas.
2.3 Review current and future needs

of the Life Sciences Department to
ensure there is no compromise in
infrastructure to care for animals.
+ Implement all enrichment programs (ensuring that at least

every mammalian species has an enrichment program).
Property Directors
+ Review facilities using welfare checklist.
Director Wildlife
Conservation
2.4 Map required skills, undertake a

skills audit and then implement a
development program to ensure
staff have enhanced skills in
collection management that meets
our conservation and visitor
experience objectives.
+ Develop in-house training modules.
Director Wildlife
Conservation
2.5 Establish processes that will

position Zoos Victoria as a
leading authority on care of wild
animals.
+ Lead development of regional strategies through industry

bodies, e.g. ASMP.
Director Wildlife
Conservation
+ Enhance visibility of FE species within our care.

+ Align property collection plans with conservation value.
Property Directors

Property Directors
+ Develop husbandry strategies for all priority FE species

within our care.
+ Roll-out Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS)
at ZV.
+ Conduct a welfare survey across all areas of ZV life sciences

to engage staff and identify areas that require further
resource investment.
+ Maintain a high level of engagement with Zoos Victorias

animal welfare peer review committee to identify areas of
practice that require intervention to enhance welfare capacity.
+ Promote Zoos Victorias specialised animal management
attributes and commitment to animal welfare targeting
relevant stakeholders.

23
O3
Visitors
We will provide innovative

wildlife-based recreation
and learning experiences
that inspire and
facilitate visitors to take
conservation actions that
make a measurable and
positive difference.
We involve visitors and the community
in the important work of protecting the
environment and threatened species
whether it is during a visit to one of
our zoos, or through an interaction on
our website, or by learning about our
accomplishments through the media.
Using our Connect-Understand-Act
model we provide experiences and
products that inspire action and
drive behaviour change to deliver
measurable conservation outcomes,
harnessing the power of the millions
of people who engage with our zoos
to make a genuine difference for
wildlife. All visitor touch points reflect
our conservation vision and mission
while supporting our ongoing financial
sustainability. Our conservation focus
is apparent in all our offerings from
visitor programs, through to our retail
and catering products.
We aim that all visitors are aware that

visiting our zoos makes a difference for
wildlife and will aspire to become lifelong members of our zoo family. We will
engage visitors in our goal for financial
sustainability by attracting financial
contributions which leads to greater
Our Visitor Objectives
+ Bring volunteer program in-house.
+ Grow membership base as the core

contact point, integrate conservation
actions, activities and donations into
membership interaction.
+ Upgrade facilities and activities to
attract ongoing growth in visitation
and conservation action.
1 To offer superior and inspiring animal

based experiences that connect
people with wildlife and conservation
action and to use the unique habitats
and landscapes in our care to inspire
environmental action.
2 To offer every visitor a layered,
meaningful and fun learning
experience using a variety of
interpretive approaches to engage
all our various audiences.
3 To ensure visitors experience
memorable moments and have
opportunities to actively participate
in conservation action.
4 To enable our staff and volunteers
to actively facilitate the delivery of
engaging experiences for visitors.
5 To measure and demonstrate our
visitors contribution in delivering
conservation and sustainability
outcomes.
Our visitor action plan

3.1 Attract

24
Implement a constantly refreshed

and improving program of activity
at each campus designed to attract,
engage and retain growing numbers
of visitors and members.
Implement innovative marketing &
communication strategies that will
establish our 3 zoos in the minds of
the community as ever-changing,
must-see venues, where being a
visitor or member supports our work
Fighting Extinction.
Leadership
+ 18 month quarterly visitor experience plan in place at

each campus.
Property Directors
+ Multi channel Marketing and Communications plan,

including strong social media strategy and community
outreach elements.
Director Visitor
& Community Devel
+ Implement a major integrated on-site program to convert

large numbers of visitors to members through all visitor
activities and touch points.
Property Directors
+ Implement new website.
Director Visitor
& Community Devel
+ Investigate and implement methods to improve:

- Online purchase
- Fast, easy admission for pre paid ticketholders.
Property Directors
Our visitor action plan

3.2 Experience

Redevelop the visitor offerings

to ensure they provide all visitors
with experiences that bring people
together to connect with animals in
ways that build their understanding
and motivate action to save wildlife.
Ensure that all our visitor and
community touch points reflect
our conservation vision and create
strong visitor awareness of, and
engagement with, Zoos Victorias
role Fighting Extinction.
Leadership
Maximising connections, building understanding and

motivating action:
Property Directors
+ Deliver new exhibits/experiences.

+ Deliver improved facilities and services.
+ Improve alignment of the visitor experience with interests
and needs of our primary audience Little fun seeking
animal lovers and their conservation caretakers.
+ Implement and embed a holistic range of member specific
activities, experiences and events that will increase their
sense of belonging to the zoo family (member retention
focus).
+ Engage with traditional owners and cultural significance of
properties in line with the Reconciliation Action Plan.
+ In all projects and facilities include requirements of the
Disability Action Plan.
+ Continue to strengthen alignment of learning programs with
our vision.
3.3 Spend
+ Focus on the growth of the membership
- target of 120,000 members
- explore life-cycle approach and tiered model.
Integrate unique, fun and inspiring

revenue generating opportunities
into the zoo experience that will
generate a growing income stream to
support our ongoing improvements
and work to fight extinction.
Director Visitor
& Community Devel
+ Leverage cross sell opportunities for members and visitors

of zoo activities, events, donations and retail purchases.
Property Directors
+ Choreograph the visitor journey to integrate retail stores

into the zoo experience and improve the number of
visitors purchasing retail product.
Property Directors
+ Implement a major integrated on-site program to convert

large numbers of visitors to members through visitor
activities and touch points.
Property Directors
+ Target Animal Adoptions of 2,500.

+ Explore options to expand commercial and fundraising
undertakings.
3.4 Act

Implementing community
conservation and advocacy
campaigns that build our capacity to
actively involve the community in our
conservation work.
Build a team of staff and volunteers
that actively facilitate the delivery of
behaviour change programs on-site,
off-site and on-line.
- Zoo gift card / one off donation gift card
- Zoo branded merchandise
- online retail expansion
- off-site pop stores.
+ Implement a multi-channelled plan for Zooperman and the

Extinction Fighters.
Director Visitor
& Community Devel
+ Implement one overarching on-line community conservation /

Fighting Extinction campaign that integrates our campaigns.
Director Visitor
& Community Devel
+ Expand engagement with Community Conservation

campaigns and Fighting Extinction activities.
Director Visitor
& Community Devel
- on-line channels
Campus Directors
- visitor precincts, activities, events and programs
- volunteer program
- membership program.
+ Continuation and improvement of existing CC campaigns:

- They are Calling on You
Director Visitor
& Community Devel
- Dont Palm Us Off
Campus Directors
- Seal the Loop
- Wipe for Wildlife
- Beads for Wildlife
- Wash for Wildlife
- Fighting Extinction with donation call to action
- Act Wild.
+ Volunteers
- Integrate volunteer program into Zoos Victoria.

25
Visitors
CONT.
Melbourne Zoo
Campus specific project
New or upgraded exhibits/experiences
Growing Wild, Ground Zone
Lighthouse project experience
Heart of the Zoo
Fighting Extinction Hub
Memory Lane
New Platypus presentation arena
Arboreal Primates exhibit upgrade
Upgrades of the nocturnal house,

wallaby walk through, woodlands and
wetlands aviaries with more interactive/
hand feeds
Lord Howe Island Stick insect interactive

Gibbon Exhibit
Red Panda exhibit
Butterfly House.
Improved facilities and services
Landscaping of Main Drive precinct
Upgrading of Fire Services
Indigenous Garden
Sculpture
History trail
Wild Dog Caf
Upgrade of sponsorship signage /
donor acknowledgement.
Improve alignment of the visitor
experience
Hand reared echidna for Magic Moments

Volunteers playing an active hands on
role for interactive with visitors stick
insects, skinks etc.
Wide scale planting of native plants
to achieve greater floral abundance/
diversity.
Exclusion of birds exterior/adjacent
to cafe
Renewal of Robert Eadie building
Initiate concreting of primary pathway
Keeper Kids programs

Member specific activities

Implement a major, fun on-site cross
promotional model that channels
visitors towards membership
Keeper Kids member program
Implement members welcome program
Member recognition by staff as part of
the customer experience training
Member only pricing introduced for
all programs and events.
Improved showcase for Tasmanian

Devils
Mali in the Schools Program

Growing Wild EC program.
26
New Brolga and Cassowary enclosures

experience
Integration of additional cultural

aspects to highlight the Coranderrk
history and celebrate Aboriginal
culture
All walk-through exhibits to have some

form of interactive experience
All presentations to be reviewed to
ensure they are updated; fun, CUA and
the FE messages are achieved

Safari Tours experience and content,
including a new fleet of vehicles
Begin staged transformation of the
woolshed paddock into the Australian
Journey
Complete Arid Exhibit makeover.
Focus and training across campus on

customer experience and the NPS
Car park, entry signage and planting

upgrade
Progress the Visitor Entry Precinct

Project
New play activity to replace the

jumping pillow.


visitors towards membership.

experience
Bird watching and animal training

courses for member families x 2
Align Australian Journey to fighting

extinctions lighthouse project.
visitors towards membership.
First trials of new safari bus for
members only
ASK
MKTING
WE CAN
USE
27
O4
PEOPLE
We will support our staffs

development to ensure
they, and the organisation
as a whole, can transform
Zoos Victoria into 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 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 morale and achievement.
We will seek out and engage with
partners who share our vision and
work collaboratively with them to
achieve mutually agreed conservation
outcomes. We will protect and
celebrate areas of cultural and
Indigenous significance, and value and
grow our Indigenous relationships. We
are committed to the health and safety
of our staff and visitors.
Our People Objectives
In 2012/13 we will be strengthening

our leadership capability at each
campus particularly in the delivery of
visitor experience programs focused
on connect, understand, act which
support community conservation.
Workforce flexibility required to
meet the challenges of free entry
for children and the ever changing
requirements to achieve worlds best
practice for the care of our animals
and botanic estates will continue to
drive Human Resource programs.
Our aspirational goal of achieving a
workplace free of lost time injuries
will be progressed further through the
implementation of sophisticated risk
mitigation procedures and incident
reporting systems.
1 To ensure our vision and values are

fully embraced and demonstrated by
our staff, stakeholders and partners.
2 To align our work processes with our
vision and mission.
3 To enable our staff to demonstrate a
high level of capability and wellbeing
as a result of the right investment
in their professional and personal
development.
4 For our staff to be recognised
as a team of high performers by
the industry, the conservation
community and broader community.
5 To ensure that every staff member
understands the requirements of
their roles and has the capability
and motivation to meet performance
standards and accountabilities.
+ Organisation Development
Continue to engage and motivate
all staff for the transformation
of Zoos Victoria to the worlds
leading zoo based conservation
organisation through development
programs focused on environment
sustainability, conservation action,
business skills, and organisational
leadership.
+ Occupational Health and Safety
Implement sophisticated risk
mitigation processes to ensure all
staff that are at most risk of injury
are properly trained, have and
maintain the physical capability
of performing their duties and
are appropriately managed and
appraised in maintaining a safe
workplace.
+ Systems and Processes
Communicate with and educate all
staff to observe and comply with
the requirements of our behavioural
codes as defined in the revised
Code of Conduct and Health and
Safety Code.
28
Our people action plan

Leadership
4.1 Entrench the vision and values

through-out the organisation.
+ Continue to monitor workplace culture and employee

satisfaction through participation in a Pulse climate survey.
Results to form the basis of team key improvement areas.
Director Human
Resources
4.2 Engage our stakeholders to

strengthen relationships and
partnerships.
+ Review and update ZV stakeholder database to ensure

alignment with organisation priorities.
Director Visitor
Development
+ Host one ZV stakeholder event that delivers support and

opportunities for priority conservation outcomes.
+ Engage with traditional owners in line with the Reconciliation
Action Plan including significant recruitment, training and
stakeholder engagement elements.
+ In all projects and facilities include requirements of the
Disability Action Plan.
+ Engage with philanthropic stakeholders by:
- High end ZVF comms strategy.
-Host 2 major stakeholder events.
+ Complete Mali in the City sponsorship programme.
4.3 Align our structure to deliver the

strategy and improve operational
effectiveness.
+ Embed structural change at campus level senior management

teams particularly for visitor experience and infrastructure
delivery.
Director Human
Resources and
Property Directors
+ Institute greater workplace flexibility to contain employment

costs yet improve job quality and staff satisfaction.
4.4 Align all HR processes & policies to
deliver our core directions.
+ Continue the rolling three year review of HR policies and

procedures ensuring they reflect best practice and legislative
obligations.
Director Human
Resources
+ Review recruitment processes to facilitate greater participation

and opportunity for the employment of indigenous and other
disadvantaged groups.
4.5 Invest in the professional
development of our staff.
+ Implement a revised suite of workplace behavioural standards

through the eZEPPs (performance management system).
Director Human
Resources
+ Continue to develop the leadership group and senior

management through skills and experience acquisition
particularly in commercial and team business disciplines.
4.6 Nurture the wellbeing of our staff.
+ Develop a staff training calendar for practical on-site animal

husbandry training.
HS Director
+ Implement the fitness for duty program including monitoring

and mitigation of risks in the context of an aging workforce.
Director Human
Resources
+ Promote general health and wellbeing of employees through

further external training.
+ Strengthen OH&S policy and procedures compliance to conform
with implementation of harmonised national OH&S legislation.
4.7 Entrench high performance in our
people.
+ Develop plans and techniques for the formation of high

performance teams through application of behavioural and
performance improvement tools.
Director Human
Resources
+ Revise and improve appraisal standards and procedures for

salary and wages progression.
29
O5
Financial
sustainability
We will ensure the

long-term financial
sustainability of all our
operations to be able to
maintain and improve
the value of assets and
make meaningful and
measurable investment in
conservation.
It is critical that Zoos Victoria

continues as a financially healthy and
strong organisation. We actively seek
out additional sources of revenue
to grow our business. We will do
this through increasing visitation,
developing new and innovative
products, encouraging philanthropy
and staying open to expanding our
services. We promote efficiency
of operations at all times and seek
innovative solutions to improve
resource efficiency. We strive to
maintain assets at acceptable levels.
The Zoos Victoria financial model will
focus on business unit performance
and surpluses are invested to deliver
increased conservation gain and
infrastructure renewal. The three zoos
serve as windows to the conservation
work of the organisation.
Philanthropy can provide a base of
committed untied funds as well as
project specific tied funding that
can help grow the capacity of the
organisation and build financial
sustainability to deliver greater
conservation outcomes. The aim is to
generate $20M by 2016/17 enabled by
an increased investment in fundraising
activities and by increasing the
proactive support of the Victorian
community for the work of Zoos
Victoria.
2 To ensure the integrity and viability

of our assets in the short and long
term.
3 To have innovative, commercial
products that are aligned to our
core business and that will provide
new income streams of substantial
recurrent funding.
4 To embed a continuous Business
Process Improvement (BPI)
culture to ensure efficiency and
effectiveness in every element of
our operations.
5 To have a successful Foundation that
delivers a significant contribution
to the organisation to enable
investment in conservation work and
capital development.
6 To have an extensive and
transparent legal compliance and
risk management framework.

+ Improve business processes and
system integration
+ Develop new Zoo regulations
+ Continue fundraising to meet our
5-Year Plan to raise $20M for asset
renewals and maintenance.
This funding will:
+ Promote and create awareness

on risk management and good
governance.
+ Begin an upgrade of the lion display

at Melbourne Zoo
+ Upgrade arrival facilities and
procure additional vehicles to cater
for increased demand for the safari
tour at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
1 To maximise revenue and control

expenditure, while driving financial
accountability in all areas of our
business.
The Government is providing $13.7

million towards the upgrade of Zoos
Victoria assets in 2012/13 and 2013/14.
+ Build a new entry display including a

rainforest exhibit at Melbourne Zoo,
commemorating the zoos 150th
year of operations
30
Our Financial Sustainability

Objectives
+ Leverage the 150th anniversary in

2012 to gain widespread financial
support.
Our financial sustainability action plan

The tasks we will undertake
over the next five years
5.1 Strategy

Develop new Zoo regulation.
Government funding to support

the financial sustainability of the
organisation.
Leadership
+ Current regulation sunset in 2013. Zoos Victoria and DSE will

work together ensure new regulation in place by 2013.
Chief Financial
Officer
+ Align budget process and resources to key corporate initiatives,

activities and programs to deliver objectives.
Chief Financial
Officer
+ Ensure that revenue and costs are monitored regularly to

ensure that the Business Plan financial position is met.
Maximise revenue and control
expenditure by driving accountability + Develop appropriate business opportunities to yield total per
in all areas of our business
cap spend of $32 to $40 per visitor.
supported by strong budgeting and
+
Review current procurement practices and driving efficiency
controls.
and reduce cost by developing Whole of Zoo Procurement
Secure funding to update and
Strategy for purchases greater than $50,000.
improve the assets of the
+ Continue with the 5-Year Strategy (since 2010-11) to attract,
organisation through philanthropy
retain and grow philanthropy and sponsorship to raise the
and government sources.
targeted amount of $20M for key strategic projects.
Chief Financial
Officer
Director Visitor
Development
Chief Financial
Officer
Director Zoo
Foundation
- Animal Adoptions onsite

- Integrate donations in conservation actions.
5.2 Services

Improve business processes and

system integration to ensure that
information is accurate and timely.
+ Scan and allow online tracking and approval of all accounts

payable invoices.
Chief Financial
Officer
+ Review the possibility uploading data automatically from the

point of sales to the financial system.
+ Implement mapping system and tie it to our asset register for
buildings and exhibits.
+ Enable Direct Debit of regular Animal Adoptions donations into
ZV bank account.
5.3 Safeguard

Legal compliance, financial and risk

management frameworks are well
developed and all staff understand
their responsibilities.
+ Ensure appropriate system in place to review and monitor

compliance within the organisation including delegations and
procurement.
Chief Financial
Officer
+ Ensure that all major contracts are vetted and meet Zoos
Victoria contract policy.
Chief Financial
Officer
+ Risk management system review and update yearly.

- BCP plan reviewed and update yearly
Chief Financial
Officer
- Ensure appropriate system and monitoring and reporting

of OH&S risks and activities
Property Directors
Director HR
- Annual compliance reporting.
Chief Financial
Officer
31
Financial Estimates
2012-2017
The Zoological Parks and Gardens Boards financials are prepared in
accordance with Standing Direction 4.2 of the Financial Management Act
1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian accounting
standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

Figures in $000
Notes
2011-12
Budget
2012-13
Budget
2013-14
Budget
2014-15
Budget
2015-16
Budget
2016-17
Budget
Revenue
Admission
$18,205
$21,178
$21,944
$23,087
$24,260
$25,270
Membership (Net contribution)
$2,875
$3,694
$4,306
$4,625
$4,961
$5,316
Commercial Activities (Net contribution) 2
$3,636
$4,457
$4,615
$4,844
$5,074
$5,255
Others
$1,817
$1,986
$1,930
$1,949
$1,970
$1,991
Government Grant
$10,686
$10,901
$11,174
$11,454
$11,739
$12,031
Kids Free Government Grant
$2,500
$2,600
$2,700
$2,900
$3,000
$3,100
Asset Maintenance & Capital Grant 5, 6
$6,500
$12,765
$9,132
$4,201
$4,273
$0
Total Revenue
$46,219
$57,581
$55,801
$53,060
$55,277
$52,963
Expenditure
Wages
$28,291
$31,218
$32,330
$33,356
$34,471
$35,624
Others
$10,747
$12,142
$12,668
$13,268
$13,915
$14,548
Asset Maintenance & Planning
$7,181
$14,221
$10,803
$6,436
$6,891
$2,791
Total Expenditure
$46,219
$57,581
$55,801
$53,060
$55,277
$52,963
Net Surplus / (Deficit)
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Notes:
1 Admission excludes revenue from children on weekends, school holidays and public
holidays. Kids Free is funded by the State Government.
2 Net contribution means sales less all costs associated with the activities.
3 Normal Recurrent Government Grant.
4 Kids Free Government Grant 2011-12 to 2014-15 per Treasury 2011-12 Budget Papers No. 2
and 2015-16 to 2016-17 Zoos Victorias assumption that Government will continue with the
kids free program and therefore funding.
5 One off funding funded by Department of Sustainability and Environment for asset
maintenance and renewals.
6 State Government capital funding of $13.7 million from 2012-13 to 2013-14.
32
Melbourne Zoo
PO Box 74
Parkville Victoria 3052
Elliott Avenue
Parkville Victoria
Tel: 61 3 9285 9300
Fax: 61 3 9285 9330
PO Box 248
Healesville Victoria 3777
Badger Creek Road

Healesville Victoria
Tel: 61 3 5957 2800
Fax: 61 3 5957 2870
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 9340 2702
Fax: 61 3 9340 2795
Email: zv@zoo.org.au
ABN 96 913 959 053
www.zoo.org.au
Photography: Gerry Gibson, Dan Harley,

Max Deliopoulos, Trent Browning.
Printed on 100% recycled paper.

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2012-2017

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

An introduction from the CEO

Our vision and mission

About Zoos Victoria

Our work to date

150 years of fun and conservation

Our corporate plan

Key performance indicators

The action areas to achieve our vision 19

Financial estimates 2012-2017

Foreword from the Chairman

Progress in the delivery of the vision

This is a year of very high profile for

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

When we set out in 2009 to be the

But more importantly the substance of

In October 2012 over 200 zoo directors

It is hard to capture the enormous work

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Zoos Victoria is a not for profit, zoobased conservation organisation,

Melbourne Zoo is an immersive

Werribee Open Range Zoo provides

As an organisation that operates three

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

Our Statutory Mandate

The Zoological Parks & Gardens Board

Ryan Smith, Minister for Environment

+ Conserve, protect, manage and

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

In achieving our vision

Our Australian programs

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

Our international programs

Zoos Victoria works with local

Our community conservation effort

+ Papua New Guinea Protecting

Our current community

+ Dont Palm us Off A campaign

+ Theyre Calling on You A mobile

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

Zooperman and the

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

Who are the Extinction Fighters?

The Extinction Fighters are a band

Zooperman is the new zooper hero for

The Extinction Fighters work

Zooperman is the spokesperson for

Although Zooperman often leads the

+ The organisation developed a

+ New facilities have been constructed

+ Donations and pledges of over $6.7

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

Zoos Victoria employs over 650

Zoos Victoria has 112,000 members,

+ Free entry for children on weekends,

+ Unlimited free priority entry to

+ Visitor numbers have risen from 1.50

ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2017

Zoos Victorias total collection includes

Werribee Open Range Zoo