Perth Zoo records highest attendance figures in 98-year history

2/8/97

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes today announced Perth Zoo's highest attendance figures in its 98-year history.

Perth Zoo's 1996-97 final attendance figure was 632,927, which represented a 15 per cent increase on last year's attendances.

Mrs Edwardes congratulated the zoo for its commitment to its 10-year business plan, and the high quality and affordable wildlife experiences it provided to the Western Australian community.

"Perth Zoo's 1996-97 attendance target was 600,000 visitors," Mrs Edwardes said.

"It exceeded it by almost 33,000 visitors which is a significant achievement."

The zoo's record attendance figure for 1996-97 comprised general gate attendance, including students, and visitors attending functions, seminars, weddings and special events.

School student attendance figures were 57,110, up 20 per cent on 1995-96.

Previously the highest attendance was 632,861 in 1992, the year the African Savannah Exhibit opened.

The attendance target was set relative to the objectives of the zoo's business plan and overall redevelopment of exhibits.

"Perth Zoo has undertaken an ambitious 10-year business plan, including an intensive capital works program," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The zoo has now completed two years of the plan and commenced the third year on July 1.

"Record attendances demonstrate that well-developed plans and a business focus do work and achieve targets.

"The Government endorsed the zoo's business plan in 1994 and through responsible financial management, the zoo continues to stay on track by meeting targets."

The business plan sets out to reduce the proportion of financial contribution made by the State Government to the zoo's operation.

"The zoo's success can be attributed to improved staff performance and well developed and implemented marketing strategies," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The zoo's focused marketing approach not only aims to attract families, tourists, students and corporate clients, but also to provide them with the highest level of customer service possible."

In April a report, 'On Display', released by the Auditor General, commended the zoo's commitment to its visitors and its ability to meet marketing plan targets.

In addition to the zoo's record 1996-97 attendance, $1.3 million in financial and in-kind sponsorship was raised by its fundraising arm, the Perth Zoo Society, for the zoo's development program.

"Strategic partnerships with sponsors have been important to the zoo's continued success," Mrs Edwardes said.

"I congratulate all the zoo's partners for their contribution and urge the community and corporate sectors to maintain support of the zoo to ensure its redevelopment program can continue."

In 1997-98 Perth Zoo has ear-marked $4.5 million for capital works spending.

Major development in 1997-98 will involve an Australian complex including an Australian Bushwalk exhibit, an Australian wetlands exhibit, a crocodile exhibit with underwater viewing and an Australian cultural centre. When complete, this Australian faunal, floral and cultural development will encompass a fifth of the zoo.

Projects planned for later in 1998 include a western swamp tortoise exhibit, penguin exhibit and a new lion exhibit.

"With its responsible approach to financial management, Perth Zoo is well placed to continue to provide Western Australians, tourists and corporate clients with the highest level of service possible while making a real contribution to conservation and environment education," Mrs Edwardes said.

Media Contacts:

Minister: Diana Russell Coote (08) 9421 7777

Perth Zoo: Ian Williams (08) 947 40383