OUR ZOO

Vision

Wellington Zoo is a magical place of learning and fun, leaving visitors with a sense of wonder and respect for nature and a belief in the need for a sustainable co-existence between wildlife and people.

Wellington Zoo Trust

Wellington Zoo is New Zealand's first Zoo, having been established in 1906. Wellington Zoo became a charitable trust in 2003, previously it had operated as part of Wellington City Council. The Trust Board has been instrumental in moving the Zoo forward and addressing legacy issues. One of the biggest successes for the Trust Board is the Zoo Capital Programme (ZCP) a ten year redevelopment plan for the Zoo, signed off by Wellington City Council in December 2006. The Trust must raise funds of $5million in five years to unlock Council's funding for this capital development programme.

Wellington Zoo Trust Board Members:

Ross Martin (Chair)
Frances Russell JP (Deputy Chair)
Linda Meade
Alan Dixson
Simon Marsh

Chief Executive, Karen Fifield

I have a passion for creating connections between people and wildlife, so my work at Wellington Zoo and at other zoos I have worked with has allowed me to pursue this passion. 

My career highlights are as follows: 

  • 1991-2001 Manager, Education for Taronga Conservation Society Australia
  • 2001-2005 Director, Discovery and Learning Zoos Victoria
  • 2006-present Chief Executive, Wellington Zoo Trust
Major achievements since living in Wellington:
  • HER Business Wellington Award winner 2009 - Business Leadership and Sustainability
  • HER Business National Award winner 2010 - Business Leadership
  • 2010 Wellingtonian of the Year - Environment
  • President of the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association
  • Member of the GROW Wellington board

Annual report

2011/12 »

2010/11 »
2009/10 »
2008/09 »
2007/08 »
2006/07 »
2005/06 »
2004/05 »

Wellington Zoo Conservation Strategy

The Conservation Strategy informs everything we do at Wellington Zoo. In 2005 the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) published the second World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy (WZACS, 2005). This document provides a blueprint for the conservation challenges for all members of the zoo community. As a signatory to WZACS and a member of WAZA, Wellington Zoo is emphasising its commitment to conservation with this strategy. The importance of this strategy in the day to day life of the Zoo will underline our commitment to what is at the very heart of what we do. It will also directly influence all other strategies of the Zoo.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Wellington Zoo's sustainability initiatives stem from our commitment to reduce the environmental and social impact of our activities.

As an ongoing journey, our pathway to sustainability will improve with time and experience. In order to reach our goals we pledge:

  • To think before we buy and build—informed decisions will help us reduce the amount of raw materials used, eliminate pollution and reduce waste production. Most significantly to Wellington Zoo, sustainable buying can also help stop the destruction of valuable native forests and natural habitats worldwide.

  • To think before we use—efficient use of energy, water, office products, fuel and other resources we use to ensure we reduce our environmental impact.

  • To think before we discard—reusing, recycling and composting as much waste as possible will help reduce air and land pollution, and reduce the amount going into landfills.

  • To share our experience and grow—happy, well-informed staff are a crucial asset to our success, and to our visitors' experience. Through encouragement and training, Wellington Zoo empowers its people to actively participate in our sustainability journey.

  • To nurture our community—we share many dreams with our community and through reciprocal involvement we will step forwards towards our sustainability goals together.

  • To build a future for wildlife—conservation is at the core of all we do at Wellington Zoo. We aim to be a 21st century conservation agency which builds community understanding and support for positive action for the world's animal species.

  • To protect our future—forward-looking financial decisions made in partnership with our community of donors, visitors and customers will ensure Wellington Zoo's financial sustainability. 

 

Zoo and Aquarium Association

Wellington Zoo is a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association; an umbrella organisation for zoos in the Australasian region. Zoos under this organisation are committed to cooperatively managing their animal collections in ways that promote their sustainability and value as a conservation resource.