Strategic Plan

Transcription

1 Strategic Plan

2 Our vision Securing a shared future for wildlife and people. Front cover and this photo: Bobby-Jo Vial 2 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 3

3 Introduction from Director and Chief Executive This White Rhino calf at Taronga Western Plains Zoo is part of a breeding program in partnership with the International Rhino Foundation. I am pleased to introduce this five year strategic plan for the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. We all play a part in shaping our future and the future for wildlife and the planet we share. The Taronga Conservation Society Australia holds a unique position of responsibility and privilege to help determine that future. With this in mind, it is essential that in everything we do, we are united with one vision. That vision is securing a shared future for wildlife and people. This is not just a feel good notion, it is an urgent imperative. One that requires a coherent approach to produce a positive outcome. With the natural world under threat through habitat loss, population growth, deforestation and climate change, the issues faced are pressing and require immediate action. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the number of species has declined by 40% between 1970 and 2000, and every day biodiversity is being lost at up to 1,000 times the natural rate. Never before has the role of zoos and our staff expertise been so critical. As leaders in research, science, breeding, and community education, our work is now more relevant than ever to conservation outcomes. With 1.7 million visitors to our two zoos, we are uniquely placed to inspire the public to help us make a difference to the conservation of wildlife and wild places. Now is the right time for review and to set a clear direction for the future. The successful establishment of the Taronga Foundation and a focus on re-investment has enabled crucial development in both our zoos and in global conservation projects in the field. Major investment in infrastructure and creation of world-class facilities are symbols of a future being built on strong foundations. But while the highly visible improvements to exhibits and zoo design are clear to see, the ongoing work behind the scenes is cementing our role in conservation and the future of wildlife. Projects such as the Australian Marine Mammal Research Centre (AMMRC) and involvement in community conservation campaigns are just some of Taronga s recent initiatives. With a renewed external focus in the next five years, Taronga is reaching out to engage the community further through education and inspiring wildlife experiences to achieve tangible conservation outcomes. This strategic plan is the result of months of research and consultation to identify key priorities and the most effective means to achieve our goals. The plan was developed with the help and commitment of all staff, the Executive team, Board members and other stakeholders. Their contribution is greatly appreciated and valued. This document reaffirms our commitment to our staff, volunteers, members, donors, government and the community of NSW. We believe this strategic plan will inspire confidence and trust in our future direction and engender support in our endeavours. I am confident together we can achieve positive outcomes on behalf of the world s wildlife. Cameron Kerr Director and Chief Executive Taronga Conservation Society Australia Photo: Bobby-Jo Vial 4 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 5

4 Taronga is working with the National Trust of Fiji to help ensure a sustainable future for Fijian Crested Iguanas. Photo: Lorinda Taylor Our organisation With 1.7 million visitors annually, consisting of local, interstate and international guests, Taronga might be seen predominantly as two zoos, caring for collections of native and exotic animals. However, it is so much more. In essence, the four main areas of our work cover: Research projects for the conservation and management of species Breeding programs for the preservation of threatened species Education, awareness and behaviour change to support species conservation and habitat preservation Presentation of animals for environmental education and recreation purposes The multi-faceted nature of the organisation is reflected in the range of entities that are part of the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. They include: Taronga Zoo Sydney Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo Taronga Foundation Australian Registry of Wildlife Health Taronga Training Institute Australian Marine Mammal Research Centre Taronga Marine Rescue Unit Zoo Education Centres ZooMobiles Research and Conservation Centre Wildlife Reproductive Centre Taronga Wildlife Hospitals 1 The breadth of our work is vast but all made possible by a strong sense of identity, purpose and teamwork. 1 Photo: Mandy Everett 2 Photo: Jeff Darmanin, Daily Telegraph 3 Photo: Lorinda Taylor Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 7

5 Our organisation The distinctive character of our two zoo sites, one by Sydney Harbour, the other open range in rural NSW, caters to different audiences and each offers its own unique experience of connecting with wildlife. Taronga Zoo, Sydney Photo: Bobby-Jo Vial Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Photo: Rick Stevens Animal Facts Animal Facts Taronga Zoo has 4002 animals belonging to 349 species, of which 88 species have a threat status.* Taronga Western Plains Zoo has 650 animals belonging to 91 species, of which 32 species have a threat status.* As the most popular visitor experience in NSW, Taronga Zoo s location provides a dramatic setting for local and international visitors who come to see and learn more about Australia s unique wildlife and other animals. Following redevelopment over recent years Taronga Zoo boasts world-class facilities. Great Southern Oceans opened in 2008 and is a showcase for education opportunities such as the Seal Discovery Show and hosts the Australian Marine Mammal Research Centre (AMMRC). Taronga Zoo is also home to the Asian Elephant conservation program that saw the birth of two elephant calves in 2009/2010. Other attractions at Taronga Zoo include the innovative Backyard to Bush precinct and the QBE Free Flight Bird Show. Visitors have the option to enjoy the unique experience of an overnight stay at the Zoo through the Roar and Snore program, where guests stay in purpose-built safari style tents looking out over the harbour to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. While visitors enjoy learning more about wildlife and our keepers are caring for our animals, other staff are busy working in their fields of expertise. They work in the Wildlife Hospital, conduct diagnostic tests in a sophisticated zoo-based pathology laboratory and make headway in national surveillance for biosecurity. The open range character of Taronga Western Plains Zoo (TWPZ) provides an environment particularly suited to large animal facilities with valuable work being done in breeding of animals such as the critically endangered Black Rhinoceros and the endangered Tasmanian Devil. TWPZ achieved a world first when, in a collaborative effort, they harvested rhinoceros eggs via laparoscope, resulting in successful In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) of a Black Rhinoceros embryo. Our Zoo is a founding member of the International Rhinoceros Foundation. The reproductive laboratory providing information on reproductive physiology, plus veterinary work conducted at TWPZ offers a valuable service, not only to our own zoos, but also to other zoos and wildlife organisations. While animals receive the best level of care, so do humans coming to TWPZ. As NSW s premier inland tourist destination, visitors can learn more about animal conservation by taking early morning guided tours and stay in the award-winning Zoofari Lodge. A popular way to explore the zoo is by bike or electric vehicle, upholding Taronga s commitment to ecologically sound practices. * Defined as extinct, extinct in wild, critically endangered, endangered, threatened, vulnerable on either an international, national or state level. 8 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 9

6 Our part in the big picture This map provides a snapshot of some of the major projects Taronga is involved in around the world and illustrates the global nature of our research, breeding and conservation efforts. The critically endangered Corroboree Frog Photo: Rick Stevens Endangered Little Penguins The IUCN has forecast that by 2050, 30% of the world s wildlife will disappear. While humans have contributed to the many environmental threats faced by wildlife including habitat loss, deforestation, pollution, urbanisation, and unsustainable use of resources, there are encouraging signs of change. At individual, organisational and government levels, initiatives are being adopted to halt and repair some of the damage and implement programs to redress the balance. Taronga is one of the organisations leading the way in these initiatives. Through partnerships in habitat restoration, research and education, Taronga is contributing to a brighter future for wildlife and people. Conservation begins at home Apart from the comprehensive education and visitor learning programs run by Taronga to promote conservation of biodiversity, the organisation is taking steps toward sustainability in many ways. Through focus on wastewater, heritage, and bush regeneration, along with ecologically sustainable development, Taronga is committed to an environmentally sound future across the organisation, supporting the Government s Green State goals. In addition to many home-grown initiatives, the expertise of Taronga staff is shared on a global level with involvement in conservation programs around the world. Field Conservation grants, ongoing conservation and breeding programs support projects internationally as shown in the Taronga global map. Taronga Conservation Society Australia Global Conservation Projects 1 3 Nigeria Western Lowland Gorilla Endangered Botswana Cheetah Vulnerable Zambia 2 Pygmy Hippopotamus Endangered African Elephant Endangered Chimpanzee Endangered Giraffe Low risk Zebra Low risk Eland Low risk African Wild Dog Endangered African Lion Vulnerable Zimbabwe Nepal Vulture Vulnerable to critically endangered India Greater One-horned Rhinoceros Vulnerable Sri Lanka Asian Elephant Endangered Tanzania Lion Vulnerable African Wild Dog Endangered Cheetah Vulnerable Indonesia Sumatran and Javan Rhinoceros Critically endangered Malaysian Tapir Vulnerable Orangutan Critically endangered Otter Low risk Sun Bear Endangered Sumatran Tiger Critically endangered 4 Black Rhinoceros Critically endangered Australia Corroboree Frog Endangered Booroolong Frog Locally endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Locally endangered Bush Rat Least concern Little Penguin Locally endangered Cassowary Endangered Tasmanian Devil Endangered Malleefowl Nationally vulnerable Yellow-spotted Bell Frog Critically endangered (previously thought to be extinct) Long-nosed Bandicoot Endangered Regent Honeyeater Locally endangered Loggerhead Turtle Endangered Black winged Stilt Low risk Mongolia Przewalski s Horse Critically endangered China Asian Black Bear Endangered Vietnam Asian Turtle species Endangered to critically endangered Hatinh Langur Endangered Thailand Asian Elephants Endangered 6 Fiji Fijian Crested Iguana Critically endangered Antarctica Seals and cetaceans Threatened to endangered Photo: James Alcock 2 Photo: Rick Stevens 3 Photo: Gary Ramage 4 Photo: Gary Ramage 5 Photo: Natalie Boog 6 Photo: Lisa Keen Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 11

7 Our strategic plan This strategic plan defines the long-term goal of the organisation (the vision), the unique role Taronga plays in the world of conservation (our role) and the way we will conduct our work (our values). The plan also informs the areas for strategic focus in our efforts to best fulfil our role and achieve our long-term objective. This diagram summarises the elements of the strategic plan which are covered in detail in the rest of this document. Our Role Our role in conservation is to create direct and positive connections between wildlife and people. Through our efforts we protect endangered species, increase understanding of wildlife and inspire community action. Vision Securing a shared future for wildlife and people Values Be supportive and enthusiastic Accept and take responsibility Show dignity and respect Innovate and take initiative Clear and simple Commitment to Taronga s OH&S, animal welfare and customer service charters. Wildlife We breed, manage and care for wildlife, and undertake research, to deliver tangible conservation outcomes. People We create unique, dynamic and engaging learning experiences to positively influence and change behaviours. Animals in Our Care Tangible Conservation Outcomes Financial Sustainability Visitor Experience and Learning Our People and Organisational Effectiveness Photo: Bobby-Jo Vial 12 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 13

8 Our role Highly skilled keepers are often the key to survival as in the case of Pygmy Hippo calf, Monifa, which was hand-raised by the team at Taronga. Role Our role Our role in conservation is to create direct and positive connections between wildlife and people. Through our efforts, we protect endangered species, increase understanding of wildlife and inspire community action. Within the broad spectrum of organisations involved in supporting wildlife conservation, Taronga fulfils a unique role. Only our organisation is able to create direct physical and emotional connections between people (both our staff and visitors) and wildlife connections which positively impact on conservation outcomes through either innovative research, breeding programs or changing community attitudes and behaviours Photo: Lorinda Taylor 2 Photo: Bobby-Jo Vial 3 Photo: Leonie Saville 2 Photo: Mandy Everett 14 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 15

9 Our two strategic pillars wildlife and people Photo: Rick Stevens The two are inextricably linked and the very nature of this relationship underlines our unique role in conservation. Wildlife We breed, manage and care for wildlife, and undertake research to deliver tangible conservation outcomes. Zoo-based conservation and breeding programs go hand-in-hand with projects protecting wildlife where they live. With exemplary animal welfare a top priority and commitment, our husbandry and veterinary skills extend beyond our own animals to assist wildlife in a variety of situations. For example: More than 1,100 wild animals are brought to Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos Wildlife Hospitals annually for treatment and rehabilitation. Taronga s breed-and-release programs assist in the improvement of native environments by returning species to their natural habitats. Regent Honeyeaters This endangered native Australian species has already become extinct in South Australia. In order to save this endangered species, Taronga has been breeding a population of Regent Honeyeaters that will provide insurance against the demise of the wild population. With Taronga s breeding and husbandry techniques, Regent Honeyeaters have now been successfully nurtured and released to provide a valuable boost to the wild population. In 2009 and 2010, birds were successfully released to the wild in Victoria, with Taronga leading a partnership between National Parks, Birds Australia and local communities. Black Rhinoceros Program As a founding member of the International Rhinoceros Foundation, Taronga s work in the field and zoo-based breeding and research programs have important implications for all rhinoceros species. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the only zoo in the Southern Hemisphere to hold three rhinoceros species Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros and Greater One-horned Rhinoceros. A landmark arrival was the birth of Kufara in March 2010, the first zoo-born 2nd-generation rhinoceros in Australia born to mother Bakhita, who herself was the first female black rhino born at the zoo. People are one of our two strategic pillars people who visit our zoos and people who comprise the zoo community including staff, volunteers and sponsors. Inspiring and engaging visitors through the efforts of our people, is critical to meeting our goals. With 1.7 million people visiting our two zoos annually and with over 50,000 Zoo Friends, we are uniquely placed to build awareness, understanding and positive action across a wide community base. Our people are key to connecting this broad community to the wonders of wildlife, the threats facing them, and actions they can take to protect them. The conservation message is spread beyond zoo visits, through public engagement in education activities with schools, ZooMobile visits to pre-schools and via community events. Many of Taronga s activities focus on changing people s behaviours such as encouraging people to recycle old mobile phones in the They re Calling on You campaign, which is helping reduce the impact of landfill and mining on gorilla habitats. Indigenous Community Programs Two examples of programs that demonstrate the role Taronga plays in connecting people with wildlife are Burbangana and Walanmarra. These two Indigenous community programs are delivered in partnership with NSW Community Services for children in care within the community. Through hands-on animal husbandry and handling, art, and literacy programs at the zoos, the participants grow in confidence and self-esteem. Funding from the Rio Tinto Aboriginal fund will enable further development of the program. People People We create unique, dynamic and engaging learning experiences to positively influence and change behaviours. Photo: Rick Stevens Photo: Rod Cheal Roar and Snore The Eco-tourism certified Roar and Snore programs at both Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoo are popular ways for visitors to connect with wildlife in a memorable and unique way. Both offer the opportunity to sleep in the zoo grounds and enjoy up-close animal encounters not usually available during normal opening hours. Visitors gain a rare insight to the zoos at night, while learning about how they can make changes to impact the sustainability of the environment. The recently upgraded accommodation at Taronga Zoo enables visitors to sleep in luxury tents enjoying world-famous views over Sydney Harbour. Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo received a NSW Tourism award in 2009, as well as featuring in advertising promoting Sydney internationally and domestically. 16 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 17

10 Our values A diminutive sentinel, one of Taronga s Meerkats stands watch. Values Our values Our values reflect the way that our people work together to achieve our objectives. Through consultation with Taronga staff across all divisions, the following key values were identified as integral to fulfilling our vision: It s Basic Be supportive and enthusiastic Accept and take responsibility Show dignity and respect Innovate and take initiative Clear and simple These values are underpinned by Taronga s Occupational Health and Safety, Animal Welfare and Customer Service Charters. While identifying values is key to recognising what matters at a human level, it is meaningless without sharing a commitment to walk the talk. Therefore communication of values is fundamental to the success of putting the strategic plan into action. Photo: Bobby-Jo Vial 18 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 19

11 Goals & strategies Our key strategic focus areas Five key strategic focus areas underpin the direction and activities of the organisation for the next five years: 1: Animals in our care 2: People and organisational effectiveness 3: Visitor experience and learning 4: Financial sustainability 5: Tangible conservation outcomes These focus areas inform our priorities and the allocation of resources and effort in each annual business plan. For each focus area there is a set of key principles and strategic objectives. This diagram shows how the strategic focus areas are linked and support each other. Both our animals and people are critical foundations in the delivery of an excellent visitor experience. A superior visitor experience in turn generates customer value and income which contribute to the funding of a sustainable financial position for the organisation. These funds allow us to invest further in achieving tangible conservation outcomes. Animals in our Care Tangible Conservation Outcomes Financial Sustainability Visitor Experience and Learning People and Organisational Effectiveness Photo: Rick Stevens Rescued and rehabilitated at Taronga s Wildlife Hospital, Red Kangaroo joey Archie sits safe in his surrogate pouch. Photo: Natalie Boog 20 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 21

12 Strategic focus areas Tiny Black Rhinoceros calf, Kufara, is part of a conservation success story in Taronga Western Plains Zoo s breeding program for this endangered species. Animals in our care To care for and manage sustainable populations of animals that support conservation and research outcomes, and enable inspirational visitor experiences. Key principles Maintaining high standards of animal care and welfare Establishing long-term sustainable populations of animals Ensuring a strong integration between the animals collection plan and visitor experience and learning Strategic objectives 1 Ensure that animal populations are sustainable and aligned with conservation and research activity, visitor experience and learning outcomes 2 Maintain high standards of animal welfare that meets Taronga s welfare charter and relevant legislation 3 Enhance the proportion of animals and exhibits that deliver engaging visitor experiences 4 Operate a relevant, efficient and effective program for the care and rehabilitation of injured wildlife 5 Position Taronga as a leader in influencing legislation and stakeholder management Tasmanian Devil Insurance Breeding Program With the threat of extinction in the wild, the Tasmanian Devil faces a bleak future due to the devastating effects of Devil Facial Tumour Disease, which has decimated populations. Taronga is part of an insurance breeding program that aims to build its numbers to The plan is to build a genetically diverse population in zoos, so they can repopulate with disease-free animals in the future. To date 13 young have been born across our two zoos. Photo: Mark James 22 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 23

13 Strategic focus areas Our people and organisational effectiveness Aligning people and processes with strategy and values. Taronga is just one of two zoos in Australia to have bred platypus. Photo: Taronga Zoo 2Key principles Create a culture where the vision, values and roles of Taronga underpin every behaviour and decision Provide a safe and environmentally responsible workplace Attract, recognise and retain high performing people as an employer of choice Strategic objectives 1 Create an organisation culture that embraces and demonstrates the vision, values and roles of Taronga 2 Create a performance-focused organisation 3 Improve leadership effectiveness 4 Support our people by ensuring structures and processes enable them to best achieve objectives 5 Ensure a safe workplace for our people and safe sites for our visitors 6 To grow volunteers from 400 to 1000 by 2015 and improve contribution to strategic goals 7 Deliver innovative, relevant, efficient and effective IT platforms to enable delivery of the strategic plan Volunteers Volunteers are essential to help carry out our vital work in conservation. The support of more than 400 volunteers and the 40,000 hours they devote to our zoos assist in providing visitor information, guided tours, animal husbandry, office duties and bush regeneration. 24 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 25

14 Strategic focus areas Taronga s sleepover wildlife experience, Roar and Snore s spectacular location overlooking Sydney Harbour. Visitor experience and learning Creating innovative and engaging experiences that attract visitors, exceed customer expectations, inspire loyalty and influence positive behavioural changes. Key principles To be the number one wildlife experience of choice in Australia To engage more people in the activities and vision of Taronga To facilitate long-term, inspiring connections between people and animals To invest in innovation and best practice approaches to learning and behavioural change To continually invest in enhancing our physical assets Strategic objectives 1 Engage more people in the activities of the organisation by increasing general visitation to 1.75 million across both Zoos 2 Expand the reach of the Zoos education programs by increasing education program admissions to 200,000 3 Deliver outstanding experiences for visitors at our Zoos as measured through value for money satisfaction levels in excess of 85% 4 Ensure all visitor experiences deliver inspiring connections between people and animals and positively influence visitor pro-wildlife behaviour 5 Maintain assets to high standard and enhance capital infrastructure and exhibits at both Zoos to maintain visitor experience and animal welfare standards 6 Increase Zoo Friend membership numbers to 100,000 7 Spread the reach and impact of the Taronga organisation through increasing total annual website visitation to 5 million visits Student Education A total of 160,000 students participate in education programs within the zoos each year, representing 15% of the NSW student population. Some of the initiatives include Youth at the Zoo volunteering, and a holiday-care program Zoo Adventures as well as Government curriculum programs. The establishment of the Taronga Training Institute provides another level of education offering accredited training courses up to Certificate III in Captive Animals and will soon expand to Tourism Management. Photo: Taronga Zoo 26 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 27

15 The restored glory of Taronga s historic Lower Entrance was achieved under the 12 year Master Plan redevelopment of Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos to highlight the Zoos long history of caring for wildlife. Strategic focus areas Financial sustainability The ongoing management of our business to fund and sustain successful conservation outcomes. Photo: Lorinda Taylor 4Key principles Revenues to exceed costs while achieving our agreed strategic priorities Creating new revenue streams for growth and investment to support our vision Continued care for and maintenance of our physical assets Improving business efficiency Clear metrics and processes to support high quality decision-making Strategic objectives 1 Increase existing business revenue and net contribution by 5% per annum 2 Develop a number of new business projects generating a total of at least $8 million in additional revenue by Reduce cash operating costs as a percentage of revenue to 94% over 5 years 4 Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of TWPZ operations 5 Increase ability to invest in our business through increasing the Taronga Foundation s gross fundraising to $10 million per annum 6 Annually review and align budget process and resources to strategic plan priorities The Taronga Foundation As the Zoo s philanthropic arm, the Taronga Foundation has raised a cumulative total of $40 million towards an overall target of $56.6 million since its inception in Fundraising efforts through the support of corporate partners, donors and patrons is helping achieve an extensive redevelopment program at both zoos and tangible conservation outcomes for Australian and exotic wildlife. Some recent projects funded by The Taronga Foundation Field Conservation grants include the Asian Rhinoceros project to strengthen anti-poaching measures, and Cheetah conservation in Botswana. 28 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 29

16 Strategic focus areas Taronga s Corroboree Frog conservation breeding program typifies the burgeoning role of our zoos in active, multi-layered conservation programs for species in the wild. Tangible conservation outcomes Ensuring our efforts have tangible and measurable conservation outcomes. Key principles Focus on delivering long-term direct benefits for wildlife and also driving community conservation behavioural change Effectively communicating conservation outcomes to all stakeholders Continually improving our environmental sustainability Being recognised as a leading conservation organisation within Australia Strategic objectives 1 Establish Taronga as a leading conservation organisation 2 Improve the environmental sustainability of the organisation s operations 3 Increase the integration of and outcomes from the organisation s efforts in field conservation projects 4 Increase breeding, recovery and reintroduction programs for threatened species by 50% by Undertake scientific research work that aligns with and promotes the Taronga conservation and animals collection strategy 6 Increase public action for conservation through successful and measurable implementation of community campaigns linked to organisation s focus areas 7 Develop partnership and stakeholder relationships that increase the organisation s position and impact in field conservation and research activities One Health Strategy Ground-breaking research and collaboration between government, scientific and health bodies is being coordinated by Taronga Zoo through the One Health Strategy. Taronga has received funding to benefit the national coordination of efforts to monitor the health and welfare of freeranging wildlife and zoo-based animals. This program will protect human health, plant health, environment health, and ultimately impacts on areas such as trade and tourism. Photo: Rick Stevens 30 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 31

17 Aligning with the NSW Government State Plan Through the work of Taronga, many of the priorities identified as part of the NSW Government State Plan are being met and opportunities for alignment identified. As a statutory authority owned by the people of New South Wales, Taronga s activities aligning with government goals include: Directly supporting business and jobs Supporting students to reach their full potential at school Improving access to jobs and training Protecting our native vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways Strengthening Aboriginal communities Increasing volunteering Supporting people with disabilities Meeting priorities Jobs Increasing business investment and supporting jobs is demonstrated by Taronga s value to the state of NSW, estimated at $248 million annually (Access Economics/Aegis Consulting Report 2005). The capital works currently being undertaken as part of the Master Plan redevelopment program and the resulting external contracts has generated significant employment and economic investment. The NSW Government and Taronga plan to invest $18 million in the Orana region with the Master Plan redevelopment of Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Training Establishment of the first zoo-based registered training organisation in Australia with the Taronga Training Institute puts Taronga at the forefront of zoo-based education. The Taronga Training Institute provides Certificate II in Animal Studies and Certificate III in Captive Animals, as well as a wildlife photography course. Certificate II in Tourism will be launched in late 2010 and plans are underway to expand the diversity of vocational education in the coming years. Photo: Lorinda Taylor Our keepers play a crucial role in the herd structures of the elephants in our care at both Zoos. Photo: Jeff Darmanin, Daily Telegraph 32 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 33

18 In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught. Baba Dioum, the renowned African Ecologist Photo: Taronga Zoo 34 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people 35

19 Photo: James Morgan Please support our work by visiting us, becoming a member or making a donation. For more information go to Taronga Zoo PO Box 20, Bradleys Head Rd Mosman NSW 2088 Ph: tz@zoo.nsw.gov.au Taronga Western Plains Zoo PO Box 831, Obley Rd Dubbo NSW 2830 Ph: wpz@zoo.nsw.gov.au FSC Positional Onyx is 100% recycled a combination of 60% Pre-consumer and 40% Post-consumer waste with the recycled pulp brightened in a PCF environment. Onyx is produced in an ISO environmental management system accredited facility and Onyx is a carbon neutral product. Special thanks for a significant level of probono support in this project from our suppliers: 36 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people Copywriter: Jane Young