Introduction by the Chairman 2
Building on Success 4
Our Vision and Mission 6
About Zoos Victoria 8
Our Corporate Plan 16
Overview of 2015/16 - eight things you should know 17
Imperatives 18
Wildlife Conservation 20
Community Conservation 24
Growing Revenue 28
Working Smarter 32
Key Performance Indicators 2015/16 36
Melbourne Zoo Master Plan 38
Healesville Sanctuary Master Plan 40
Werribee Open Range Zoo Master Plan 42
Financial Estimates 2015-20 44
CONTENTS
2 ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20
INTRODUCTION
For over 150 years, we have welcomed visitors from all over the world, providing them with an affordable and unforgettable experience. It’s important to us that we maintain this access to our zoos for families right across the State. Access to nature and places where families can be together, be safe and form cherished memories is good for human wellbeing. It is also good for the wildlife that we, at Zoos Victoria, are charged with protecting. One of our greatest strengths in running three zoos is the opportunity to truly use our visitor experience to engage millions of Victorians in the plight of species that need our help. It is always one of our greatest challenges, for where do you focus such effort and which issues and species do you help first?
The world’s wildlife faces significant challenges with habitat loss, pollution, introduced pests, overharvesting of our oceans, disease and the illegal wildlife trade. In our backyard we have species that teeter on the brink. As an organisation that exists to fight wildlife extinction, these problems can seem insurmountable. But at Zoos Victoria we are up to the challenge. We have developed two master plans that will guide our efforts in saving species.
The first is our Wildlife Conservation Master Plan that captures a sequence of costed projects that will endeavour to prevent the extinction of 20 of our most endangered species in south-eastern Australia, and help us to recover key species in the wild. The Master Plan was officially launched in March 2015, and already we have received support from Government, the corporate and philanthropic sector and our partners in the conservation movement.
The second, the Community Conservation Master Plan, sets out a holistic model for conservation that works to preserve and protect species before they reach the critical stage close to extinction. The plan outlines a series of interventions on issues such as palm oil, coffee production, use of recycled paper, illegal coltan mining, the illegal wildlife trade and plastics pollution. By developing and enhancing profound experiences across our visitor engagement areas, activating wildlife-friendly values and forming powerful alliances with other like-minded conservation organisations, we will help create a Victoria where our citizens will be recognised as the most wildlife-friendly citizens in the world.
To achieve our conservation ambitions we need to have solid financial growth while continuing to provide visitors with an affordable, family-friendly experience. We also need to be efficient and effective in the way we work. Over the next five years we will accelerate the financial side of the organisation to ensure we can invest more than $10 million in recovery and breeding programs, amplify our advocacy and campaigning efforts, maintain the highest level of animal welfare and attract millions of people to our zoos so they can join the fight against wildlife extinction.
Ensuring we use our resources wisely – both intellectual and physical – we will embark on a journey of excellence that will see all aspects of our operations become targeted, efficient and with the sole aim of maximising our conservation efforts. The organisation has already commenced LEAN systems training, modelled on the Toyota management system, to provide all of our staff with the tools required to serve our conservation ambitions.
From an environmental sustainability perspective, we have spent the last five years being ‘quiet achievers’. The next five years will see us build on our carbon neutral status and break new ground when it comes to being the world’s most environmentally sustainable zoos.
The next five years is about excellence; with our staff, volunteers, partners, members and visitors, and doubling our concerted efforts to save wildlife from extinction. I truly believe that together we can save species from extinction, and recover them sufficiently to thrive back in the wild.
Anne Ward Chair Zoos Victoria
Raised more than
$20 million for the Safe Haven campaign to improve zoos & fight extinction
Launched a new way of learning for thousands of school students through
Education for Conservation
AGL Marine Response Unit responded to hundreds of calls to help distressed marine wildlife
36 leaders trained in the LEAN Graduate Certificate
Reduced seriousness of work place injuries
Staff involvement in scholarships and fellowships
12% visitor growth year on year
Social media continues to grow with over
100,000 Facebook followers
and 10,000 Twitter followers
BUILDING ON SUCCESS
It takes the entire Zoos Victoria family to successfully fight wildlife extinction. From the admissions officers who welcome our visitors each day, to the Chair of the Board; from volunteers to donors; members to school students, our zoo community is vast, varied and has already joined us in saving species from extinction. They have also been the driving force behind new initiatives and improvements at each Zoo. Here is a taste of the success that has been generated by our zoo family in the last year.
Commenced the
Guardian Dog program which will deliver a team of Eastern Barred Bandicoot Bodyguards
230,000 Zoo Members
$1 million worth of beads sold for Beads for Wildlife
Launched our Community Conservation Master Plan
Partnered with Greenpeace to fight for better seafood labelling
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Launched Wildlife Conservation Master Plan to target our efforts with partners in saving 20 species from extinction
Baw Baw Frog breeding program turned one
Welcomed a gorilla baby
Continued the search for the Grassland Earless Dragon
Wild Helmeted Honeyeater population has
doubled
Expanded play zones at all three zoos – including the first ever Hippo Beach, Ranger Kids, Fighting Extinction Maze and a hospital play space at Healesville
30,000 trees to restore Corranderk habitat
Sustained growth in members and visitors
Lion Gorge opened, incorporating the new learning centre Digest-ed
27 captive bred Orange-bellied Parrots released to the wild
Philippine Crocs bred at Melbourne Zoo returned to the Philippines
38 adult Southern Corroboree Frogs released to the wild
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VISION & MISSION
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 three 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.
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 7
HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THE DIRECTION OF OUR STRATEGIC PLAN?
Zoos Victoria Strategic Plan 2009-29
The Strategic Plan is our 20 year landmark planning document which established our vision to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation and sets our mission for the next 20 years - to galvanise communities to commit to the conservation of wildlife and wild places by connecting people and wildlife. The Strategic Plan also identifies our five action areas that direct how we will achieve these aims:
1 Conservation, 2 Our Animals, 3 Our Visitors, 4 Our People, 5 Financial Sustainability.
Zoos Victoria Corporate Plan 2015-20
The Corporate Plan document is submitted to State Government for endorsement by our Minister. This five year plan provides objectives that we will deliver for each of our five action areas. It provides each directorate with the basis to prepare their individual annual Operations Plan.
Zoos Victoria Community Conservation Master Plan
The Community Conservation Master Plan is a five year plan outlining the goals and objectives we will deliver in order to decrease human-induced threats to wildlife. These initiatives and projects will facilitate personal action, create advocates for wildlife and activate our community’s intrinsic values.
Zoos Victoria Wildlife Conservation Master Plan
The Wildlife Conservation Master Plan captures a sequence of costed projects that will not only prevent the extinction of our priority species, but will also allow us to take significant steps forward in recovering key species.
Property Operation Plan 2014/15
The annual Property Operation Plan is developed for each of Zoos Victoria’s three properties. This plan identifies the direction and priorities for delivery in the coming year.
Please note: The aim of each plan listed below Zoos Victoria’s Strategic Plan (2009-29) is to provide a level of operational detail that enables each functional area of Zoos Victoria’s business to actualize our vision and mission. There is intentional overlap between each plan to capture a unified and integrated web of operations.
ABOUT ZOOS VICTORIA
OUR ZOOS Zoos Victoria is a not for profit, zoo-based conservation organisation, delivering conservation through our 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 apply our specialised skills in the captive holding and management of threatened species, and work closely with partners to ensure success in the wild. We are also using our unique position to influence behaviour changes within communities in support of wildlife.
We 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.
Free entry for kids on weekends, public holidays and school holidays combined with new events and attractions have increased visitation from 1,566,000 visitors to 2,200,000 visitors. An investment of $70 million in capital has seen the delivery of new visitor facilities, attractions and exhibits.
We self-generate more than 70 percent of our operating budget through zoo based activities including admissions, commercial sales, corporate sponsorships and philanthropic donations. Annually we contributed more than half a billion dollars to the State’s economy as well as 3,228 full time equivalent jobs.
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ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 9
MELBOURNE ZOOMelbourne Zoo, the oldest and most respected urban zoo in the southern hemisphere is known as a ‘window to the world of wildlife’ where people can get up close with some of the world’s most diverse wildlife and be inspired to join the fight to save them from extinction. Melbourne Zoo weaves together our people, visitors and animals to orchestrate a profound experience that deeply connects visitors with wildlife and empowers them to help us fight extinction.
Development at Melbourne Zoo is underpinned by five unique characteristics:
At Melbourne Zoo we want Conservation to be on show and in action, and be seen as a prominent part of our operations. There will be a range of dynamic opportunities for our staff and visitors in which to become involved which can lead to direct conservation action.
At Melbourne Zoo we want visitors to see a diverse range of exotic and native Animals very near and ‘up close’. Melbourne Zoo’s promise is to immerse visitors in displays and landscapes that surround them while providing a close and personal experience with unique wildlife.
At Melbourne Zoo we want our Visitors to be deeply connected. That is, a visit to Melbourne Zoo should engage our visitors so that they are closely connected with animals: connected with their friends and family: connected with our history and landscapes: connected with our people; and connected with memories that they share. As a result they support our vision of being the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation.
At Melbourne Zoo we want to showcase our People. We know that visitors are inspired by the passion and stories that our staff hold. We want to showcase this passion and tell the stories to every visitor.
At Melbourne Zoo we want to make everyone aware that Financial Growth means being able to save more species sooner.
Completed Revitalisation
Wild Sea 2009
Baboon Lookout 2011
Keeper Kids 2011
Growing Wild 2012
Lemur Island 2013
Lion Gorge 2014
Planned Revitalisation
Predators Stage 2
Giraffe Café and function space 2015
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ABOUT ZOOS VICTORIA
HEALESVILLE SANCTUARyHealesville Sanctuary is a destination that showcases Australian biodiversity. Nowhere else will visitors gain such a rich understanding of the Australian environment, its wildlife and what can be done to conserve Australian animals. The Sanctuary offers a true Australian journey built on a platform of our amazing fauna, flora and indigenous culture and layered throughout with aspects of Fighting Extinction and endangered species conservation, Kids Nature Play and regular serendipitous contact with our staff, volunteers and animals. Interactive experiences and thrilling animal encounters are a trade mark of Healesville Sanctuary – the Spirits of the Sky and Tales from Platypus Creek presentations and the Land of Parrots allow up-close engagement with our staff and volunteers and the cryptic and shy wildlife of Australia.
Healesville Sanctuary is the hub of our fighting extinction work with more than ten breeding and recovery programs operating from the bushland haven. The Sanctuary and adjacent Coranderrk Bushland are rich in Victorian Aboriginal heritage; an aspect we promote to our visitors at every opportunity.
Completed Revitalisation
Dingo Country 2010
Land of Parrots 2011
Tasmanian Devils 2011
Lunar’s Secret Forest 2011
World’s first Platypus Arena 2012
Kids Nature Play 2013
Coranderrk restoration predator proof fencing 2013
RACV Lyrebirds Echoes in the Mist 2014
Sanctuary Landscape 2010-15
Planned Revitalisation
Koalas and wombats 2015
Wetland aviary 2016
Kangaroos and small macropods 2016
Pavilion catering facility upgrade 2017
World First Dusk to Dawn show with nocturnal species 2017 (new)
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 11
WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOOWelcoming more than half a million visitors each year, Werribee Open Range Zoo is a large zoo and is growing rapidly. With its unique location on the banks of the Werribee River, the Zoo is an important site for native wildlife and for the diverse community of the growing western regions of our city.
Watching the mixed herds of zebra, giraffe, ostrich and rhinos grazing on the savannah, visitors to Werribee Open Range Zoo are immersed in the landscapes of Africa. From the grasslands of northern Kenya, to the desert sands of the Sahara and the forests of the Congo, a visit to the Zoo is an opportunity to connect with some of the world’s endangered species and take action to save them, including the critically endangered Grevy’s Zebra.
In addition to the iconic Safari Bus Tour, the walking trail provides a tactile experience for young families, as young children follow animal tracks, dig in the sands of Hippo Beach and find out what it’s like to be a Gorilla Doctor caring for plush primate patients in Ranger Kids.
In the last few years, the Zoo has taken great strides in developing visitor amenities and exhibits around the grasslands of Australia, America and Asia. In Australian Journey the Zoo has created a space for visitors to fall in love with the critically endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot and the Orange-bellied Parrot. The Zoo is now a critical hub for our work with the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, also supporting captive breeding, research and the Guardian Dog Trial.
Completed Revitalisation
Gorillas Calling 2011
New Safari Fleet Station 2012
New entry precinct 2013
Australian Journey – Bandicoot Hideout 2014
Village Kids, Ranger Kids and Hippo Beach 2014
Planned Revitalisation
America’s Journey
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ABOUT ZOOS VICTORIA
Our StatutOry Mandate 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:
+ 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.
Our MiniSterOur responsible Minister is the Honourable Lisa Neville, Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water.
We look forward to working closely with the Minister and her department as we join together to fight wildlife extinction. We also look forward to working closely on sustainability initiatives that will not only decrease our environmental footprint but encourage other organisations to do the same. We will work with species on the brink due to Climate Change and ensure that our zoos help push the boundaries when it comes to resource efficiency.
Our accOunting POlicieS The accrual basis of accounting is applied in the preparation of financial statements whereby assets, liabilities, equity, income and expenses are recognised in the reporting period to which they relate, regardless of when cash is received or paid. The financial statements are audited each year by the Victorian Auditor General’s Office and the statements are prepared in accordance with Standing Direction 4.2 of the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian Accounting Standards, including interpretations, and other mandatory professional reporting requirements. Details of our key accounting policies are outlined in the audited financial statements published each year and are available on our website.
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OUR ACTION AREAS
The five action areas describe what it is to be a Zoo-based Conservation Organisation. Our strategy sees the action areas as overlapping circles and we strive to develop projects in the sweet-spot where the action areas intersect.
01 Conservation We will focus and strengthen the conservation efforts of Zoos Victoria to ensure the delivery of tangible conservation outcomes.
02 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.
03 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.
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 be able to maintain and improve the value of assets and make meaningful and measurable investment in conservation.
Conservation
Animals
VisitorsPeople
Financial Sustainability
Sweet Spot
The sweet spot is where Zoos Victoria delivers zoo-based conservation outcomes. Using the value / effort matrix we ensure projects happen in the sweet spot.
Conservation in the sweet spot
The zoo value chain shows how the work of the zoo delivers improved security for animals in the wild.
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ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 15
RISkS Zoos Victoria has developed a Risk Management Policy and Framework. The Board identified the organisational attitude to key risks as identified below. The key risks are monitored and mitigation plans have been established.
Risk Category Strategic Outcomes and Attitudes
Zoos Victoria - Major Risks
Brand and reputation
Our People
Financial Sustainability
Stakeholders
Animals
Conservation
Maintaining a social licence to operate
Realising opportunities to leverage the brand to achieve conservation outcomes
Engage people with Zoos Victoria as a conservation organisation
Driving efficient operations
Investing in people (e.g. training, culture)
Achieving safety standards
Growing revenue
Raising capital
Maximise the visitor experience
Engaging the community
Managing relationships with Government
Maintaining a life-long duty of care
Improving welfare standards
Improving the sustainability and alignment of collection
Achieving our wildlife conservation goals
Achieving our community conservation goals
OUR CORPORATE PLAN
Zoos Victoria has established the model for zoos to make a measurable and meaningful contribution to conservation. Four Imperatives underpin the Corporate Plan for 2015/16. The ambition is to grow the organisation in four key areas to accelerate the delivery of conservation outcomes by improving operational performance and maximising revenue streams.
The 2015/16 Corporate Plan identifies the key activities that will be undertaken during 2015/16 to ensure that Zoos Victoria achieves the stated strategic direction.
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ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 17
Safety remains the number one concern for Zoos Victoria. Every day we strive to deliver a safe environment with no injuries to staff, volunteers or visitors
Animal care will continue to be essential to our core operations with a focus on removing negative welfare states and expanding animal happiness
Education 4 Conservation has been implemented and will be enhanced over the next 12 months. With implementation, focus shifts to impactful delivery and filling capacity
Community Conservation Master Plan will be launched heralding a new era in zoo conservation impact
We will focus on
driving admissions and membership retention while continuing to grow the membership base
We will improve back of house facilities to bring them to the same standard as front of house
OVERVIEW OF 2015/16 9 THINGS yOU SHOULD kNOW:
The first release of Eastern Barred Bandicoots to the wild (without fences) will happen in 2015/16
LEAN principles will be embedded at Zoos Victoria enabling continuous improvement, facilitating problem solving and growing our respect for people
We will implement the digital plan to improve the reliability of business systems and enable increased revenue growth
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OUR FOUR IMPERATIVES
From 2014 Zoos Victoria is focused on four imperatives that will enable our operations to become the best in the world. Two conservation master plans underpin the future work; the Wildlife Conservation Master Plan – which identifies critical interventions to help the most endangered species in Victoria and the Community Conservation Master Plan which identifies how we will engage with visitors and the broader community. To achieve the goals outlined in the conservation master plans will require funds and to this end Zoos Victoria is striving to Grow Revenue. Yet if expenses grow at the same rate as the growth in revenue little will be achieved, thus Zoos Victoria is also focused on Working Smarter.
The four imperatives overlay the operational model of Zoos Victoria as a conservation organisation and directly increase performance which will result in saving species sooner. The four imperatives work to enhance the actions areas.
Working Smarter
Wildlife Conservation
Community Conservation
Growing Revenue
Zoo animals
Recovery animals
Secure habitat
Research
Breed and release animals
Reduce threats
Reduce threats
Animalssafe in wild
Work with animals
Engage with people
Don’t visit the Zoo
World class: Governance Systems and process Reputation Talent management Health and safety Environmental sustainability Animal welfare
Change behaviour
Have a great day
Profound experience: Change agents CUA
More animals
Zoo-based conservation
Rescue and rehabilitation
Visit the Zoo
ZOO-BASED CONSERVATION MODEL 2015-20 IMPERATIVES
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O1 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
In achieving our vision to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation, Zoos Victoria strives 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.
Our wildlife conservation is guided by a five year Wildlife Conservation Master Plan focused 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 fighting the extinction of 20 threatened species across south-eastern Australia and we work with three international communities to help save wildlife and the places in which they live.
OUR AUSTRALIAN PROGRAMSMuch of Australia’s unique wildlife is under threat from habitat loss, feral animals, landscape fragmentation, disease and, threats related to climate change.
Zoos Victoria currently works on the recovery and extinction prevention of the following Australian threatened species:
Eastern Barred BandicootMountain Pygmy-possumTasmanian DevilSmoky MouseLeadbeater’s PossumNew Holland MouseBrush-tailed Rock-wallabySouthern Bent-wing Bat Regent HoneyeaterHelmeted HoneyeaterOrange-bellied ParrotSouthern Corroboree FrogNorthern Corroboree FrogBaw Baw FrogSpotted Tree FrogStuttering FrogGrassland Earless DragonGuthega SkinkAlpine She-oak SkinkLord Howe Island Stick Insect
ZOOS VICTORIA’S FIGHTING ExTINCTION COMMITMENT IS TO ENSURE THAT NO NATIVE, VICTORIAN, TERRESTRIAL, VERTEBRATE SPECIES GOES ExTINCT ON OUR WATCH.
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 21
Kenya Working with the
Melako Community Conservancy in northern
Kenya to save wildlife and develop sustainable
alternative livelihoods for nomadic pastoralists.
Philippines Working closely with the Mabuwaya Foundation and local communities to conserve the most important population of the Critically Endangered Philippine Crocodile.
Pakistan Protecting Snow
Leopard’s from human wildlife conflict by
supporting community capacity building projects through
the Snow Leopard Foundation in Pakistan.
Ghana Conserving the Togo
Slippery Frog through community engagement
initiatives that protect waterways with Herp Conservation Ghana.
Indonesia Working with the
Australian Government, the Borneo Orang-utan
Society and Nyaru Menteng to enable the
reintroduction of 60 rehabilitated orang-utans
within Central Kalimantan.
Papua New Guinea A new project initiated in 2014 in partnership with Woodland Park Zoo focused on fighting the extinction of the Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo.
OUR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS Internationally we work with communities and 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.
To help broaden our impact, and build the capacity of conservation programs abroad with specific and often short-term needs (such as staff training, installation of camera traps, rebuilding post-disaster etc), in 2013 Zoos Victoria launched an International Conservation Grants scheme. These grants are awarded annually to programs that aspire to generate biodiversity gain through building social capital. Zoos Victoria’s International Conservation Grants Scheme benefits numerous grant recipients each year, and allows Zoos Victoria to learn from, and share the stories of many incredible conservation efforts around the world.
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O1 WILDLIFE ConsErvatIon
GOAL To prevent the extinction of Zoos Victoria’s priority species, whilst prioritising our conservation investment to ensure that we recover at least one species in the wild within the next five years.
The acceleration of our fighting extinction work will require substantial financial investment over a dedicated period of time. Despite all of our work to date, the threat of extinction continues to loom over many species and remains a very real and imminent danger that requires an urgent response.
Now is the time to be brave, innovative and focused. Zoos Victoria has developed a Wildlife Conservation Master Plan in order to secure a future for the species that we have grown to admire, respect and deeply value. Over the next five years we will implement this Master Plan, thus securing species in the wild and helping our community to love their locals.
CRITERIA+ We will invest resources in species that trigger
zoo-based conservation interventions based on our fighting extinction criteria
+ We will make evidence-based decisions informed by science
+ We will practice compassionate conservation, guided by our Animal Welfare Code
+ We will work with relevant partners and stakeholders to ensure that key threats are addressed in the wild
+ We will produce high quality animals fit for release
+ We will share unique insights with staff, visitors and stakeholders in order to open the hearts and minds of the Victorian public to threatened species and encourage support for our fighting extinction efforts.
ZOOS VICTORIA WILL WORk WITH PEOPLE TO RECOVER SPECIES BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 23
Key Projects What we will do in 2015/16 Leadership
Recovering the Eastern Barred Bandicoot
Local species programs
International Programs
Director WORZ
Director Wildlife Conservation
Properties
Director Wildlife Conservation + Property Directors
Director Wildlife Conservation
Commence guardian dog training
Explore options of islands
Fence Tiverton Station
Increase reproductive outputs
Progress the genetic, demographic and behavioural health of all threatened species insurance populations
Commence Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters surrogacy program for Helmeted Honeyeaters
Create new release localities within Yellingbo Reserve through habitat restoration for Lowland Leadbeater’s Possums and Helmeted Honeyeaters
Commence feasibility assessment of Haining Farm Restoration for Lowland Leadbeater’s Possums and Helmeted Honeyeaters
Progress research on the effectiveness of Predator Avoidance Training for Helmeted Honeyeaters
Introduce the first cohort of Orange-bellied Parrots to the newly established Open Flight Aviary at Werribee Open Range Zoo
Support the release of captive bred Orange-bellied Parrots and Helmeted Honeyeaters to the wild
Breed and release Southern Corroboree Frogs to disease free compounds in Mt Kosciuszko
Progress efforts to crack the code to breeding the endangered Baw Baw Frog
Share the results of genetic research to inform next steps for the Victorian populations of Grassland Earless Dragon
Progress research to develop an emergency response for Alpine She-oak Skinks and Guthega Skinks
Collect New Lord Howe Island Stick Insects from Ball’s Pyramid to enhance the genetic health of the insurance population
Establish a cryopreservation unit at Healesville Sanctuary to help secure the genetic material of critically endangered species
Boost the capacity of the head-start program for the Philippine Crocodile in situ
Conduct Philippine Crocodile biodiversity surveys and support in situ education program
Support the wages of 26 Melako scouts to support anti-poaching efforts in Melako, Kenya
Progress eco-socio research to assess the social and biological benefits of the kicking goals for wildlife program in northern Kenya
Work with the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program in PNG to develop mechanisms to measure environmental impacts and outcomes, providing in-kind support to field staff and assisting with building the capacity of their coffee program.
Conduct a review of Zoos Victoria’s international partnerships and secure MOU for next three years with preferred partners
Conduct annual conservation grants program
Facilitate training for Sister Zoo across education, animal husbandry, Interpretation and Workplace Health and Safety.
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O2 COMMUNITy CONSERVATION
THE WORLD’S MOST WILDLIFE-FRIENDLy CITIZENS Zoos Victoria strives to bring species back from the brink, whilst simultaneously eliminating the threats that drove them there. Our goal is to halt biodiversity loss currently being driven by humans. To truly be an effective zoo-based conservation organisation, we must deliver tangible conservation outcomes through our three zoos and mobilise our community to take action.
Community conservation is exactly as it sounds: conservation through our community. Our zoos will inspire citizens to take positive action for wildlife and lend their voices to the species at most imminent risk of extinction. By inspiring our visitors, members and the wider Victorian population, we will create a more wildlife-friendly social norm and secure a brighter future for wildlife.
Zoos Victoria does this work because we believe that, as humans, our choices pose the greatest threat to wildlife and the greatest hope for their survival.
The Community Conservation Master Plan adopts a holistic approach and a range of initiatives which deal with human threats to wildlife. Over the next five years together we will strive to stop species’ slide towards extinction and work toward the goal of the Victorian community becoming the world’s most wildlife-friendly citizens. We will achieve this goal through facilitating personal action, creating advocates for wildlife and activating our community’s intrinsic values.
ADDRESSING THREATSThe Master Plan includes key areas of activity:
+ Profound Experiences - including the introduction of values theory to strengthen and grow our Connect Understand Act model and drive lasting behaviour change
+ Interventions to address critical threats to wildlife including:
- Paper and timber
- Feral cats
+ Advocacy and action linked to our Fighting Extinction 20
+ Interventions to halt urgent threats to wildlife including:
- Palm oil
- Coffee
- Illegal coltan mining
- Illegal wildlife trade
+ Interventions that prevent growing threats to wildlife including:
- Plastic pollution
- Overharvesting of seafood
+ Initiatives to support our community to live wildlife-friendly including:
- Fostering a love of local wildlife through Love Your Locals
- Supporting our international programs
+ Reviewing rising threats to wildlife
+ Accelerating and amplifying our work through four key channels:
- Education for Conservation (including Fighting Extinction Schools)
- Members
- Our people – our staff and volunteers
- Powerful partnerships – including our biennial Congress for Conservation and inclusion of Community Conservation Grants into the International Conservation Grants program
+ Research and publications.
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SUCCESS OF OUR CURRENT COMMUNITy CONSERVATION CAMPAIGNS
ZOOS VICTORIA FIGHTS ExTINCTION By REDUCING HUMAN-INDUCED THREATS TO WILDLIFE.
100,000+ phones were collected to help save gorillas in the wild.
$500,000 sustainable income generated for Melako Communities. No poaching in Melako.
More than 160,000 Australians advocating for clearly labelled & sustainable palm oil. Major manufacturers moving to 100% Certified Sustainable Palm Oil in 2015.
209 fishing line bins installed along Victoria’s coastline. More than 20km fishing line diverted from the sea keeping our marine wildlife safe.
16% of non-recycled toilet paper users switching to recycled toilet paper.
20 of our most endangered species took to the streets of Melbourne, helping people fall in love with their locals.
Engaged our youngest members with the 20 Extinction Fighters.
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O2 Community Conservation
GOAL We will advocate on behalf of wildlife and drive community actions that will reduce the human threats to wildlife. We will work with our visitors, members and the community to change attitudes and will, behaviour and practice, to achieve the positive outcome of saving species in the wild.
We will also work to expand our sphere of influence by mobilising the community and empowering others to advocate on behalf of wildlife and drive changes that reduce the threats to wildlife. By cultivating advocates within the local and global community, our reach will extend beyond the zoo walls and allow us to mobilise community change. We aim to create inspired, informed and active communities, who will lead their own initiatives and drive change to save wildlife.
CRITERIA+ We will link our advocacy and behaviour
change work to the areas where we can be most effective in fighting wildlife extinction and the priorities we have established as an organisation
+ We will endeavour to address those species with the greatest need, where we can have the greatest outcome and where we can effectively engage the greatest influencers
+ We will first prioritise those issues that impact our current species and programs and in which Zoos Victoria is a key stakeholder
+ We will optimise our strength as a community organisation with a large visitor base, leveraging our on-site interface with over 2 million people through profound experiences
+ We will make our work fighting extinction and how visitors can help, explicit in all we do.
Key Projects What we will do in 2015/16 Leadership
Profound experiences
Behaviour change campaigns
Accelerate and amplify
Research
Director Wildlife Conservation
Director Marketing, Communicatons and Digital Strategy
Director Wildlife Conservation, Property Directors Director Wildlife Conservation
Property Directors
Director Wildlife Conservation
Director Business Development
Director Wildlife Conservation
Appoint Profound Experiences Specialist mentor role and implement training and coaching with Life Sciences and Visitor Experience staff/volunteers of the effective use of the CUA model, including use of values theory & behaviour change theory and tools
Develop choreographed interpretive journey at each property (values + action points)
Incorporate values theory into communications, marketing, fundraising and retail approaches
Reinvigorate existing campaigns and refocus on best practice use of behaviour change tools to ensure we facilitate the uptake of action, not just convey messages
Education for Conservation – ongoing review, evaluation and improvement. FE schools resource packs and toolkits, Annual FE Schools Showcase
YATZ – improve involvement of YATZ to accelerate and amplify the success of our campaigns
Partnerships – develop criteria to enable nimble uptake of partner campaigns
Partnerships - Conservation Grants. Initiate community conservation component of grants program
Members – implement annual member community conservation campaign Ongoing campaigns – evaluation and continuous improvement
Plastics campaign preparative research, values benchmarking
Zoos Victoria will harness ‘people power’ to reduce threats to wildlife and help saVe them from extinction.
28 ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20
O3 GROWING REVENUE
MEMBERS FIRSTA core objective of Zoos Victoria’s Revenue Growth Plan is to attract 400,000 zoo members and secure 21% of gross revenue from memberships. Zoos Victoria’s market research has identified our primary and secondary audiences, focused on those most likely to grow visitation and yield. The priority target audience is young families visiting the zoo that are not yet members. Our aim is to raise awareness of Zoos Victoria’s membership program and attract new families to join. Once at the Zoo we aim to convert general entry visitors to members.
Zoos Victoria aims to increase membership retention from the current 50% to 60%. Retention priorities focus on engagement with members when they are not visiting and the introduction of new digital systems to make it easy for members to renew. We will increase member engagement online and onsite to build deeper, long-term relationships with our members. We will leverage membership support further - encouraging member spend in retail, catering, commercial products and donation activities as well as increasing member actions through our community conservations programs.
REFRESH AND RENEW VISITOR ExPERIENCEZoos Victoria will provide a compelling offer for general visitation. Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo will be the top destinations in Victoria for wildlife experiences. The quarterly campaigns will provide new reasons to visit and allow for the addition of new experiences and attractions. Zoos Victoria relies on word of mouth and repeat visitation, thus superior visitor experience is critical to success.
Our zoos are the perfect place for toddlers. With facilities and experiences tailored to parents with young children, it is easy, interactive and fun to visit us during the week. Parents join the zoo community and enjoy discovering our amazing properties through the eyes of their young children.
The Zoo will be the favourite choice of kids under 11, who will visit multiple times each year with family, friends and school. Their membership will deliver exceptional value with experiences and offers for all ages.
Profound experiences with wildlife will ensure our point of difference from our competitors and will deepen commitments to saving wildlife.
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 29
FILL CAPACITy / GROW OFF-PEAkThe revenue growth plan is a volume strategy which aims to grow total visitation to over 3 million visitors by 2018/19. The strategy focuses on families with children under six years old as the primary target market with families with children under 11 as the secondary market. Primary attention is to drive off peak visitation by schools, tourists and memberships.
Paid admission contributes 34% of gross revenue. The major intervention to drive visitation is quarterly campaigns at each property, supported by active marketing and communications. Zoos Victoria relies on word of mouth and repeat visitation, thus superior visitor experience is critical to success.
The new Education for Conservation schools program encompasses learning across the property, driven by self-directed learning and aligned to the Victorian school’s curriculum. The new model optimises the capacity and resources of our three properties and allows for scale growth.
Both interstate and international tourism accounts for approximately 8% of visitation. International visitation to Victoria is poised to grow over the next five years. Zoos Victoria will focus on key groups to ensure ongoing growth in this sector.
Commercial activities contribute 17% of gross revenue and include retail operations, catering rental, Zoo Twilights, Wild Nights, Slumber Safari, Magic Moments and other behind the scenes products.
Fundraising and sponsorships contribute 6% of gross revenue and include minor donations, annual giving, bequests, major gifts, trusts and foundations and sponsorship. In 2016 a Gala Ball will be held as the major fundraising activity and provides a platform to engage the wider community.
ZOOS VICTORIA AIMS TO BE COMMERCIALLy SUCCESSFUL IN ORDER TO GROW CONSERVATION OUTCOMES.
Delighted visitors having profound experiences with
animals
Zoo-based conservation organisation
Clear understanding of value to all of our customers
Model embedded
Members first
Continuous improvement
Fill capacity
Aligned, empowered and engaged people culture supports growing revenue
$100 million gross revenue
30 ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20
O3 GROWING REVENUE
GOAL Zoos Victoria has identified the need for a volume strategy, which takes advantage of the existing capacities of the three amazing zoos. The strategy will see a focus on growing visitation through engaging and attractive quarterly campaigns, growing the membership base by focussing on increased sales and increased retentions, focusing on international tourism; and increased sponsorship by large corporate entities, increased public fundraising and securing multiyear philanthropic support.
CRITERIA+ We will focus on improving revenue by growing
weekday (off peak) visitation
+ We will develop strategies to increase revenue yield and occupancy through delivering targeted quarterly campaigns and scalable commercial programs
+ We will develop digital systems which will enable us to increase revenue
+ We will target business opportunities where Zoos Victoria underperforms against competitors and market trends
+ We will focus on understanding the customer values in order to deliver membership retention strategies
+ We will develop a clear plan and interventions to ensure success and optimal growth
+ We will focus on improving core business, connecting people with animals.
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 31
Key Projects What we will do in 2015/16 Leadership
Model embedded
- Members First
- Continuous Improvement
- Fill Capacity
Aligned, empowered and engaged ‘people culture’ supports growing revenue
Progress towards $100 million gross revenue
GMs Visitor Experience
General Managers
WORZ Director & GM Visitor Experience
GMs Visitor Experience, GM Marketing
GMs Visitor Experience
MZ GM Visitor Experience
Healesville Sanctuary
GR Committee
Human Resources
Director Business Development, Property Directors
Clear understanding of value to all our customers
Director Business Development
CFO
Lift key data from our large suite of market research to produce a prioritised and focussed understanding of our customers values
Review the pricing strategy
Deliver on site member engagement plan aligned to customer values
Increase in teacher memberships
Deliver a commercial activity targeted to members
Targeted communications to members using the new Customer Relationship Management system
Continue to learn from successes and repeat successes. All campaigns include visitor surveys and post reports with robust business analysis
Design and cost the China tourist market product at MZ
Complete koala exhibit refresh at HS
Establish standard tools and templates for business cases (pre and post reports) and coach staff in completing them
Establish a growing revenue KPO within the E-Zepp system
Focus on all five revenue streams
+ Paid admission
+ Memberships
+ Philanthropy and sponsorship
+ Government support
+ Commercial activities
Gala Ball in May 2016
Quarterly Campaigns 2015/16
Winter Spring Summer Autumn
Melbourne Zoo Wild About Art Leap Frog Seal Lifesavers Wild Child
Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Rescue Spring Babies Spirits of the Sky Corroboree
Werribee Open Monkey Play Passport to Africa Hippo Splash Lion (title tbd) Range Zoo
32 ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20
O4 WORkING SMARTER
MAxIMISE ANIMAL CARE Zoos Victoria cares for more than 3,300 animals ranging from the tiny to massive. We take painstaking care to ensure the positive welfare of each animal as we do all we can to reduce many of the human threats facing their species in the wild.
Over the last five years we have developed an Animal Welfare Code, annual welfare audits and a program of continued improvement to ensure our animal care is ahead of the curve. Our Animal Welfare Peer Review Committee includes independent oversight by reviewing all animal deaths where the cause is not immediately apparent, including deaths of free-ranging wild animals within our zoos. We have a team of behavioural and reproductive experts to further add rigour to our welfare work and strive to ensure that all animals within our care experience positive welfare states.
A species selection tool has been in place since 2011 that helps us align our animal family with our conservation aspirations. This ensures that each animal at Zoos Victoria has an ongoing relevance to conservation and a role to play in fighting wildlife extinction.
LIVE SAFELy AND SUSTAINABLyZoos Victoria believes that the health, safety, security and mental wellbeing of staff is at the heart of our capacity to be a world leading zoo-based conservation organisation. We have developed a Health and Safety Plan that will ensure we continue to improve our safety performance over the next five years.
We have focused on the equally important areas of systems and culture. The introduction of ZVSafe, an online incident and injury reporting system, has provided timely and detailed information about work at each of our properties. Analysis of this data has highlighted two key areas for policy development and training – manual handling and animal scratches and bites. Our onsite physiotherapists have developed specific manual handling training for each category of outdoor workers. A behaviour change program – Safety Circle – has been piloted and will provide an approach to engaging workers in changing their work practices which regularly result in minor injuries.
These initiatives, together with a strong return to work program, will continue to have a positive impact on our WorkCover premium.
A strong sustainability focus is an essential part of being a world leading zoo-based conservation organisation. By increasing our investment in this area through the delivery of projects outlined in Zoos Victoria’s Environmental Sustainability Prospectus, we will make significant improvements to our operations whilst reducing our impact on the environment. As we embark on this journey, we will continue to track our progress whilst working to minimise our environmental footprint.
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 33
ELIMINATE WASTEWe are developing and implementing a systematic approach to working smarter – The ZV Way – in order to save animals in the wild more quickly. The more efficient and smarter we can be in our daily activities, the more resources that can be applied to direct conservation.
Waste is any activity that consumes resources but adds no value. At Zoos Victoria for us to work effectively and efficiently we will assess our work practices so that we can continuously improve and reduce any waste. This is a vital ingredient if we aim to be commercially successful by Growing Revenue while limiting growth in expenditure in order to grow conservation outcomes.
To this end, we have embarked on a LEAN journey. Thirty-six organisation leaders have undertaken the Graduate Certificate in Competitive Systems and Practices, learning about coaching staff and building teams; developing competence in problem solving, visual management and continuous improvement; and returning to work with their teams to standardise work, and remove waste.
In our organisation we love making problems visible so that we can work together to improve the situation – for our visitors, animals, staff and volunteers. We have made a commitment to our staff that the improvements made will be reinvested in our conservation work and that overall headcount will not decrease.
TO SAVE SPECIES SOONER WE WILL: ELIMINATE WASTE, LIVE SAFELy AND SUSTAINABLy AND MAxIMIZE ANIMAL WELFARE. THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH A CULTURE OF RESPECT AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT.
The world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation
A safe day at work
To save species sooner we’ll eliminate waste, live safely and sustainably and maximise animal care.
Efficient and effective in all that we do
A carbon neutral Zoos Victoria
Exemplary animal welfare and care
34 ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20
O4 WORKING SMARTER
GOAL To save species sooner we will: Eliminate Waste, Live Safely and Sustainably and Maximize Animal Care. This will be achieved through a culture of Respect and Continuous Improvement.
CRITERIA+ We will ensure conditions which promote
positive animal welfare states
+ We will focus on delivering the best possible visitor experience, understanding the visitors’ needs and designing processes to meet their needs
+ We will retain our carbon neutral certification and reduce our carbon footprint, by ensuring that all developments are delivered with net zero carbon emissions
+ We will create consistent practices though standardised policy and implementation
+ We will enhance the skills of managers and leaders to coach individuals and support teams
+ Our decisions will be evidence based
+ We will attempt to improve our operations by eliminating any activity that consumes resources but adds no value.
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20 35
Key Projects What we will do in 2015/16 Leadership
Culture of respect and continuous improvement
Eliminating waste
Live safely
Live sustainably
Animal care
Director HR
All Directors
Director HR
Director HR
All Directors
All Directors
All General Managers
All Directors
Director HR
Director HR
All Directors
Director HR
All Directors
Director Wildlife Conservation
GM Operations
GM Env. Sustainability
GM Env. Sustainability
GM Operations
Property Directors
GM Life Science
GM Life Science
GM Life Science
Director Wildlife Conservation
GM Life Science
Director Wildlife Conservation
Develop and deliver Zoos Victoria specific training in LEAN principles – standard work, problem solving and visual management
36 LEAN graduates to participate in three improvement events
Integrate Zoos Victoria’s guiding principles into our systems of work
Measure our progress towards a constructive culture that supports our high performing organisation
Priority projects include:
Slow wages growth
Target wasteful practices
Create a safe and tidy work environment
Creation of standards for Zoos Victoria including leader standard work
Deliver Safety Circle training across all properties to enhance our safety culture
Establish one-Zoos Victoria standard Safe Operating Procedures, wherever possible
Safety inspections conducted regularly and reported to Health and Safety Committees
Risk matrices prepared for safety risks and policies developed where necessary
Initiate ‘Project Personal Housekeeping’ at all properties
Retain Certified Carbon neutral status
Introduce electricity sub-meters at all Zoos Victoria properties to catch current data on power usage
Initiate live feed on property’s renewable energy generation to monitor energy use
Develop and initiate a ‘carbon meter’ to track our carbon neutral targets
Reduce potable water consumption by 10%
Continue weekly animal care briefings and review all incidents of concern
Expand staff training to increase the skill level of all staff regarding exemplary animal care
Ensure design and construction of animal facilities supports positive animal care
Life Science teams actively involved in the annual Animal Welfare Survey
Support innovative enrichment through the Willy Wonka program
Initiate animal training programs for enrichment, physical welfare and visitor experience
Continue research into physiological and behavioural indicators of wellbeing in animals
Welfare Trak trialled across five species.
36 ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20
kEy PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2015-16
Performance indicators reflect success of Zoos Victoria against the four imperatives for the period 2015 to 2019. Due to the ambitious nature of the plan for Zoos Victoria the targets stated for June 2019 are aspirational and reflect the desire to grow Zoos Victoria.
Wildlife Fighting Extinction Number of Fighting Extinction 4 6 9 Conservation species populations to have increased in population size in 12 months
Wildlife Species Recovered Number of self-sustaining Eastern 2 4 6 Conservation Barred Bandicoot populations
Wildlife Investment Annual spend on wildlife $8.9 mil $11.0 mil $20 mil Conservation conservation
Community Participation in Number of people influenced to 120,000 200,000 400,000 Conservation conservation action undertake measurable conservation action
Community Conservation Impact Campaigns reach agreed impact n/a 2 6 Conservation targets
Growing Total visitor numbers Total of all visitors to the three 2,062,000 2,426,452 3,000,000 Revenue properties (including commercial)
Growing Paid Visitation Number of visitors that pay for 1,070,067 1,076,638 1,469,850 Revenue single admission
Growing Yield per visitor Total income per total visitor $22.80 $30.59 $32 - $40 Revenue
Gross Gross Revenue Gross Revenue from all sources $73 mill $81 mill $100 mill Revenue
Growing Member retention % members that choose to renew 40% 52% 58% Revenue
Growing Member numbers Total members 138,000 275,611 400,000 Revenue
Working Staff skills Staff training hours n/a 2,000 3,200 Smarter
Working High standards of Avoidable deaths as investigated 5 0 0 Smarter animal care through the Animal Welfare Reporting procedure
Working Lost time injury Number of lost time injuries 18 0 0 Smarter
Working Injury severity Work cover premium $561,746 <$400,000 <$400,000 Smarter
Working CO2e emissions Annual investment in reduction n/a $200,000 $200,000 Smarter of CO2e emissions
Imperative Outcome Performance June 2013 June 2016 June 2019 Indicator Budget Aspiration
Master Plan
Forging a new pact between people and exotic wildlife Melbourne Zoo is the beating heart of the wildlife conservation movement right in the heart of Melbourne, where people get up close with threatened exotic wildlife from the world’s most hidden habitats, see conservation in action and are inspired to contribute to the protection of wildlife. We are in fact forging a new and positive pact between people and wildlife.
Our Master Plan supports our personality traits of being worldly, edgy, eclectic, optimistic, and sociable. We consider that diverse and immersive experiences are being created using the connect-understand-act model to ensure conservation is at the core of every visitor’s experience. With around 1.3 million visitors each year, engaging these visitors in our Fighting Extinction commitment is a vital step in realising Zoos Victoria’s dream of becoming a world leading zoo-based conservation organisation.
Key Principles of the Master Plan
Zoo entrances - Visitors will access the Zoo via one of two entrances. Each will be welcoming and functional, offering an orientation area for visitors to plan their day before heading along the Main Drive.
Thematic precincts - The Zoo will be divided into distinct zones or ‘precincts’ each underpinned by a conservation story. Each precinct will have a unique ‘personality,’ offering a different experience. Precinct entrances and exits will be linked to the Main Drive via a gathering node.
Heart of the Zoo - The central ‘round-about’ along the Zoo’s Main Drive will be a public gathering space that interprets the Zoo’s rich history and its future direction as a world leading ZBCO with the golden elephant statue at its core.
Sustainable development - Site developments will value our 150 year heritage. Developments will encompass our heritage-listed assets rather than remove them whenever possible and Environmental Sustainable Design Principles will underpin all our developments.
Upgrade aged infrastructure - As the oldest zoo in Australia we will endeavour to continually upgrade aged and outdated infrastructure to incorporate world leading design and technology.
PredatorsPredator Stage 2 will be a themed precinct based on the threatening processes that effect many large predators and will reflect our commitment to become a world-class zoo in the 21st Century.
The development will be a naturalistic immersive experience that allows multiple and unique viewing opportunities for general visitors and school groups. The Precinct will highlight the community and wildlife conservation programs Zoos Victoria facilitates and supports.
Stage 2 will replace the remaining aged and outdated wire cages opened in 1966 as the ‘Big Cat Row’ with modern, expansive exhibits that house large iconic predator species such as Snow Leopards, Sumatran Tigers, Bears and Maned Wolves.
Predators Stage 2 will:
+ Replace aged and unacceptable wire cages
+ Improve the welfare of some of our large carnivores
+ Support the safety of our staff
+ Immerse our visitors in the landscape while bringing them up-close to predators
+ Inspire our visitors to join our fight against extinction.
The model
Master Plan The newly developed Master Plan revolves around a model that will create a ‘must see’ destination and showcases Australia like none of our competitors are able to do. The model focuses on bringing to life a true Australian journey built on a platform of our amazing fauna, flora and Indigenous culture and layered throughout with aspects of Fighting Extinction, Kids Nature Play, thrilling encounters and regular unexpected contact with our staff, volunteers and animals. We will change the culture and focus our resources more efficiently to focus on the intent model.
Three key visitor hubs – arrivals, main cafe and conference and a central cafe will all be expanded as we address capacity, flow, aged infrastructure, facilities and car parking.
While continuing to focus on the renewal of existing facilities and exhibits to grow inspirational visitor experiences, two new exhibits are planned. Iconic Australia will showcase Australia’s favourite wildlife with a layer of indigenous culture, offering an ideal package for the tourism
industry and Dusk to Dawn will be a world first nocturnal experience in
a theatre setting where families will be taken on a journey into the night.
Supported by strong audio visual but led by an elder who connects with the audience and the land, while engaging with some of our most iconic Fighting Extinction species and observing usually hidden behaviours such as a glider gliding, this will be a world first.
With a target of 500,000 visitors in the next five years, the reallocation of existing resources and building successful partnerships and products with the local tourism industry, the financial sustainability of the Sanctuary will be greatly enhanced.
Key hubs and zones to be developed
- Entry/Exit
- 3 x Car parks
- 3 x Dining areas
- 1 x Function Space
- 1 x Events Lawn
- 4 x Conservation/FE Hubs
- 3 x Presentation Spaces
- 6 x Kids Nature Play Zones
- 5 x Tranquil/riverside spots
Fauna
Our people Face 2 Face
Sanctuary Experience
Fighting Extinction
Commercial Products
Indigenous Culture
Kids Nature Play
Amazing Landscape
Thrilling & Emotive
Encounters
TO HARVEST CAFENATURE PLAY AREA
1. FOREST ENTRY AND BELLBIRD SOUNDSCAPE2. TREE ROPEWORK CLIMBING / ‘ROPE UNDERGROWTH’3. TIMBER SLAT WALKWAY WITH SENSORY GARDEN4. THE ‘EAGLE’S EYRIE’ / BUNJIL’S LOOKOUT5. GIANT SNAKE WINDING THROUGH PLAYSPACE6. THERAPOD PRINTS7. DRY SANDY CREEK BED FOR PLAY & DIGGING8. THE ‘VORTEX’ - DRAINAGE POINT FOR DRY CREEK9. LOW HILL WITH LOGS FOR CLIMBING10. ROCK WALLABY HILL - CLIMBING ROCKS WITH TUBE
SLIDES11. SHELTER FRAME - FREE NATURE PLAY12. STORYTELLING AREA13. MEGALANIA - FAKE MEGAFAUNA FOSSIL14. RAISED SANDPIT AREA - CREATIVE PLAY15. LARGE FEATURE ‘SNAKE HEAD’16. MAIN ARRIVAL POINT - FEATURE ENTRY AREA WITH
SOUNDSCAPE
EAGLE’S EYRIE ZONE
SHELTER
THE EAGLE’S EYRIE
SHELTER
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The Coranderrk BushlandA future centre for the research into release techniques for threatened species and a place recognised as the heart of the Wurundjeri country.
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NATURE PLAY
SHELTER
BADGER CREEK ROAD
BAD
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BAD
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BAD
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AV
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GLEN EADIE AVENUE
HERITAGE SHELTER
VISITOR CAR PARK
LAKE CORANDERRK
CORANDERRK RESERVE
CORANDERRK RESERVE
TREETOP ACCOMMODATION
EVENTS & PICNIC LAWN
WETLAND BIRDS
NOCTURNAL THEATRE
DISCOVERY & LEARNING
KANGAROOS
EVENTS & PICNIC LAWNS
PLATYPUS ARENA
BROLGA
SWAN
EMU
GOANNA
WOODLAND AVIARY
PELICANS
OWLSARID BIRDS
ROCK WALLABY
BATSHELMETED
HONEYEATER
TASMANIAN DEVIL
MEGAFAUNA
FIGHTING EXTINCTION /
INVERTEBRATES
THREATENED SPECIES
WORKS / HORTICULTURE
WC
SHELTER
NAT
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AYR
EPTI
LES
CAFE
KOALA / WOMBAT
DINGO
THREATENED BIRDS
CORANDERRK STORY
WORLD OF
PARROTS
WC
LYREB
IRD
SKYW
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NATURE PLAY
PICNIC AREA
ARENA
CASS
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CAR PARK EXTENSION
COACH PARK
STAF
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STAFF CAR
PARK
ADMINISTRATION
AWHC
PICNIC LAWN
NATURE PLAY
WATER PLAY
EVENTS CAR PARK
HARVEST
BISTRO WC /
PARENTS
ROOM
FE HQ
OBPMPP
CORROBOREE
BROLGA
ROOMS
ROBERT EADIE PAVILION
ENTRY
SANCTUARY SHOP & CAFE
BADGER C
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BADGER CREE K
PLATYPUS CREEK
ECHIDNA
1. SANCTUARY ENTRY / EXITTICKETING / SANCTUARY SHOP & CAFE.
2. EXHIBIT TRAIL ENTRY EXHIBIT PRECINCT DIRECTIONAL NODE / EXIT, CAFE, SHOP INFORMATION
3. FIGHTING EXTINCTION PRECINCTSPIRITS OF THE SKY FAST TRACK ACCESS. ENTRY TO FEATURE EXHIBITS.
4. ENTRY TO MAIN VISITOR AREANOCTURNAL HOUSE / HARVEST CAFE / WC / PARENTS ROOM / FUNCTION ROOMS / PICNIC AREA / NATURE PLAY.
5. PLATYPUS CREEK & WOODLAND WALKWOODLANDS EXHIBITS / TASMANIAN DEVIL / MEGAFAUNA / FIGHTING EXTINCTION & INVERTEBRATES. ACCESS TO CENTRAL VISITOR HUB.
6. ACCESS TO CENTRAL HUB FACILITIES REPTILES / PARROTS / BROLGA / LYREBIRD / NATURE PLAY.
7. ACCESS TO DINGOES & WETLAND BIRDSPICNIC / EVENTS AREA.
1. SANCTUARY ENTRANCEMAIN PRESENTATION ENTRY, WITH TICKETING, CAFE & SHOP, AND TOILET FACILITIES. THE ENTRY ALSO PROVIDES A SEPARATE ACCESS POINT TO THE NOCTURNAL THEATRE FOR AFTER HOURS VISITORS AND LARGE TOURIST / SCHOOL GROUPS.
2. MAIN VISITOR AREAMAJOR VISITOR FACILITIES, INCLUDING HARVEST CAFE / BISTRO, TOILETS & PARENTS ROOM, BROLGA FUNCTION ROOMS, AND PICNIC & EVENTS LAWNS. THIS AREA IS CENTRAL TO MAJOR EXHIBITS, THE NOCTURNAL THEATRE, AND A CHILDREN’S NATURE PLAY SPACE.
3. CENTRAL VISITOR AREACENTRAL VISITOR FACILITIES, WITH SHELTERS, PICNIC AREAS, A NATURE PLAY SPACE, CAFE AND TOILETS. THIS AREA PROVIDES THE VISITOR ACCESS TO THE WOODLAND EXHIBIT PRECINCT, TASMANIAN DEVILS, REPTILES, PARROTS, AND THE SPIRITS OF THE SKY & PLATYPUS CREEK SHOWS.
PRECINCT ENTRY NODES
EXHIBITS
DISCOVERY & LEARNING SPACES
NATURE PLAY SPACES
LAWN / EVENT / PICNIC SPACES
CAR PARK
TREETOP ACCOMMODATION
ROAD
SERVICE TRACK
VISITOR PATH - PRIMARY
VISITOR PATH - SECONDARY
VISITOR PATH - TERTIARY
BRIDGE
KIDS PLAY SWING BRIDGE
CREEK / WATERBODY
BUILDINGS
VISITOR FACILITIES
TRANQUIL SPOT
PRECINCT ENTRY NODES
SANCTUARY ACTIVITY HUBS
LEGEND
SANCTUARY ACTIVITY HUBS
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NTS @ A1
February 2013Healesville Sanctuary MasterplanHealesville Sanctuary Master Plan
Kids Nature Play
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015-20 41
42 ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20
A Master Plan Strategy for GrowthWerribee Open Range Zoo is highly regarded for its immersive and expansive landscapes where mixed herds of rhino, giraffe, zebra and antelopes graze together in the grasslands and along the river flats and woodlands, while our primates and carnivores look out across long vistas.
Over the next ten years our Master Plan will add to and enrich these large-scale, natural habitats enabling animals to live fulfilled lives in spaces that best reflect their natural homes.
The Plan delivers major themed Journeys. Our much loved African safari bus tour and walking trail will be supported and contrasted by the Australian Journey, Americas Journey and Asian Journey.
Key benefits of the delivery of the Plan include increased breeding capacity, increased community engagement in conservation action programs, increased visitation, dispersal and enhanced visitor satisfaction, plus improved financial return from assets.
Our visitor experience will continue to reflect the long, wide open plains of our unique property and will transport our visitors from an outer suburb of Melbourne to the open plains of Africa, the wide sweeping views of South America, forests of Asia and the golden tinged grassland fields of Australia. Interwoven throughout these grand experiences of nature will be our Fighting Extinction messages that will spur visitors into taking actions to save wildlife.
Our Master Plan is well underway with major foundation works already completed such as the vet hospital, safari station, bridge, new safari fleet, entry precinct and car park. Significant work has also been completed on Australian Journey and an early concept plan has been developed for Americas Journey.
While we seek funds for the delivery of further stages of the Master Plan, we will continue to drive high visitor growth through off-peak visitation strategies supported by quarterly campaigns, membership and new assets such as Ranger Kids, Hippo Beach and Village Kids.
During the next five years, we will also invest heavily in the upgrade and renewal of our aging back of house facilities and equipment, including fencing, quarantine, roads, storage, animal management facilities and vehicle fleet.
With a large property of 235 hectares and visitation of more than half a million, this investment is critical in driving operational efficiency and in future-proofing our facilities before the next stage of major visitor development in our Master Plan.
ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015-20 43
Werribee Open Range Zoo Master Plan
Australian Journey: stage delivery underway
The growth strategy is driving increased visitation, occupancy and conservation
Americas Journey: initial design concept complete
Born 30 years ago
Lions: 250,000 visitors
Gorillas and free kids: 400,000 visitors
America’s Journey: 800,000 visitors
Off peak + members growth 600,000 visitors
Asian Journey: 1,000,000 visitors
44 ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015–20
FINANCIAL ESTIMATES 2015-20
The Zoos’ revenue is principally admissions based and recurrent expenditure is comprised of high fixed costs, linked to the care of animals and asset maintenance. The Zoological Parks and Gardens Board’s budget is prepared on a cash basis. A balanced budget is outlined below for the next five years.
44 ZOOS VICTORIA CORPORATE PLAN 2015-20
Gross Operating Revenue
Admissions1 $28,824 $27,801 $32,111 $38,709 $43,306 $45,538
Memberships $7,793 $12,884 $14,509 $18,453 $22,725 $27,952
Commercial $12,154 $13,742 $13,562 $14,343 $15,171 $15,812
Fundraising $4,190 $4,645 $5,415 $6,185 $7,300 $8,150
Others $1,941 $2,127 $2,140 $2,214 $2,292 $2,372
Total Gross Operating Revenue $54,902 $61,199 $67,737 $79,904 $90,794 $99,824
Government Grants2 $18,130 $19,770 $17,666 $15,172 $15,589 $15,979
Total Revenue $73,032 $80,969 $85,403 $95,076 $106,383 $115,803
Gross Operating Expenditure
Wages3 $40,982 $45,684 $45,462 $47,770 $50,700 $53,136
Others and Cost of Sales $22,280 $26,259 $27,255 $29,320 $32,378 $35,030
Asset Maintenance & Planning $6,979 $6,960 $7,350 $7,350 $8,850 $8,850
Fundraising tied funds $2,791 $2,066 $3,836 $4,636 $5,455 $6,287
Development Fund / unallocated4 $0 $0 $1,500 $6,000 $9,000 $12,500
Total Gross Operating Expenditure $73,032 $80,969 $85,403 $95,076 $106,383 $115,803
Net result from operations $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Figures in $‘000 Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget
Notes:
1 Includes an amount to be recovered through admissions in the event that the Kids Free grant (lapsing program) is not renewed after 2016-17.
2 Includes Parks and Reserves Trust regular grant, asset maintenance grant and Kids Free grant to 2016-17. The grant for backlog of maintenance finishes in 2015-16.
3 Wages in 2015-16 includes one additional fortnight and this occurs once every 10 years.
4 This includes funds not allocated to any particular projects or programs as it is dependent on achieving the revenue targets shown in the plan.
Melbourne Zoo PO Box 74 Parkville Victoria 3052
Elliott Avenue Parkville Victoria
Tel: 61 3 9285 9300 Fax: 61 3 9285 9330
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 9340 2702 Fax: 61 3 9340 2795
Email: [email protected]
ABN 96 913 959 053
www.zoo.org.au
Photos: Trent Browning, Max Deliopoulos, Cormac Hanrahan, Chris Field, Joel Sartore/Photo Ark, William Watt.
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