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INDEXWELCOME 5
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 6
FIELD CONSERVATION PROCESS 8
TIGER CONSERVATION 10
KOALAS 12
TREE KANGAROOS 14
BILBIES 16
TASMANIAN DEVILS 18
WOMBATS 19
RESEARCH 20
TRAFFIC 26
DONATIONS AND CONTACTS 26
PHOTO CREDITS
21st Century TigerDreamworld Image LibraryGriffith UniversityUniversity of Queensland.
WELCOMEDreamworld Wildlife Foundation (DWF) was established in 2012 to provide support, practical assistance and funding for wildlife conservation
initiatives, particularly relating to the ecology of threatened and endangered species. DWF is approved under its constitution to support
direct conservation efforts, relevant research, public education, advocacy and co-operation with like-minded organisations and regulatory
authorities to protect wildlife.
DWF has partnered with the Zoological Society of London and the Global Tiger Patrol to establish and promote the pre-eminent global tiger
conservation charity, 21st Century Tiger. Through its relationships with 21st Century Tiger and other charities, DWF is able to actively help to
protect tigers in the wild with education, anti-poaching and community engagement initiatives. DWF is the largest zoological donor to tiger
conservation in the world.
DWF is internationally known for its work supporting tiger conservation in the wild. I hope that through reading this brochure you will come
to understand the depth of our involvement in not only tiger conservation but the protection and conservation of our own native Australian
endangered species.
The fragility of the environment, disease and the ongoing impact of introduced species in Australia have left a number of unique endemic
animals on the endangered species list. DWF supports research, habitat conservation and education for wildlife such as; Koalas, Bilbies,
Tree Kangaroos, Wombats, Tasmanian Devils, Frogs and Bristlebirds.
Since being established in 2012, DWF has generated public donations over $2 million. These donations are directly linked from royalties
within the Dreamworld Themepark business of Ardent Leisure. The donations from merchandise and all wildlife activities within the
Themepark division supplemented by public donations received through bequests, workplace giving program, website and in-park donation
boxes have contributed to this public donation stream.
The wildlife on display at Dreamworld are ambassadors for their wild cousins. Without getting up close and personal to these amazing
creatures, we could not possibly generate the revenue for the charity DWF.
I want to acknowledge all the guests that come to Dreamworld Themepark Division and contribute to this amazing charity. Without your
ongoing support we could not deliver the conservation outcomes for our wildlife.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our volunteers and donors for their invaluable support and assistance and am sure that in the
future through the enthusiasm and passion for our wildlife our conservation efforts will be realised.
Yours sincerely
Craig Davidson
CRAIG DAVIDSON
Craig Davison is the Chief Executive Officer of Dreamworld and is head of the Ardent Leisure Group’s Theme Parks division. Craig has a deep understanding of international and domestic tourism and entertainment markets and previously held senior executive positions at Tourism Australia and Voyages Hotels and Resorts. Craig is an advocate for strong leadership and engagement and has outstanding operational skills to ensure that DWF is consistently supported through the generation of royalties from Dreamworld’s interactive tiger activities.
AL MUCCI
Al Mucci has been in the zoological industry for over 18 years and is the General Manager Life Sciences | Dreamworld Corroboree at Dreamworld. Al is an invited member of the Biosecurity Queensland Ministerial Advisory Council. Al is the longest serving President or the Zoo and Aquarium Association, Queensland Branch. Al is the Indigenous Relationships Manager for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Al is Chairman of the Save the Bilby Fund Inc. Al is passionate about the conservation of wildlife. Al has a wealth experience across many zoological facilities and provides the DWF Board with invaluable insights into project challenges and feasibility. Al has extensive experience within a charitable business serving in positions within the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and David Stead Foundation (wildlife charity).
ALAN SHEDDEN
Alan Shedden is the Ardent Leisure Group Company Secretary and also holds the position of Group General Manager Corporate Services. In this capacity he provides guidance to the human resources, health and safety, insurance, compliance and energy efficiency functions. Alan has over 17 years of experience as a Company Secretary and previously held positions at Brookfield Multiplex Limited and Orange S.A., the mobile telecommunications subsidiary of France Telecom S.A. Alan was instrumental in establishing DWF and provides the Board with guidance on compliance, governance and general commercial matters. Alan is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of London (UK).
FUND COMMITTEEIn accordance with the DWF constitution all of the Directors
are members of the Fund Committee which is tasked with
reviewing and approving the funding of conservation projects
and ensuring that DWF retains its status as a deductible gift
recipient under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth).
In assessing conservation projects the Fund Committee is
supported by the Dreamworld Conservation Committee to
ensure that technical and other feasibility is maintained
so that funds are allocated to the most appropriate
conservation projects.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FIELD CONSERVATION PROCESSPotential conservation projects are required to be assessed and in accordance
with DWF’s guiding principles. All projects must be supervised or undertaken by
individuals with demonstrated experience in a relevant field.
Applications for project support must include clear statements of the project
background, aims and objectives, review methodology, budget, timetable and
outcomes. The Fund Committee focuses on key criteria and questions including:
• What the project impact will be?
• Whom the project will benefit?
• How the project’s effectiveness will be determined?
• How the project results will be measured and how they relate to conservation
improvements?
DWF requires that written reports on approved projects are submitted at 6 monthly
intervals unless otherwise agreed. Once a project is completed a full report of the
outcomes is required to be submitted within 90 days of the completion date.
Where possible, DWF seeks to retain intellectual property rights and media
publicity opportunities in order to raise the DWF public profile and credibility.
In the event that allocated funds are not used they are required to be returned to
DWF within 14 days of the completion of the project.
FFI TCPU Rangers dismantle tiger snare Three tiger poacher traders arrested in Kerinci Sumatran Tiger Kerinci
Together with other members of the Zoo and Aquarium Association, DWF joined in a partnership with the Southeast Asia Regional office of
TRAFFIC to support a project to combat the illegal trading in wildlife. This trade has a negative impact on global biodiversity and educational
initiatives help support the empowerment of visitors, communities and wider stakeholder networks to take positive action to combat the
illegal wildlife trade.
Through Flora and Fauna International, DWF supports the Kerinci-Seblat Tiger Protection and Conservation Program on the Indonesian
island of Sumatra. The Kerinci-Seblat National Park is an important tiger habitat for the critically endangered Sumatran Tiger. The project
is a highly active program with five Tiger Protection and Conservation Units operating in the field and working out of four camps around the
national park. The objective is to ensure the long-term conservation of wild Sumatran Tigers by controlling the poaching of not only tigers but
also their prey, habitat loss and effective mitigation of human-tiger conflict. We believe over 30 tigers are protected in this area.
TIGER CONSERVATIONDWF supports a number of tiger conservation project in the wild. Through
the alliance with 21st Century Tiger, DWF supports the Phoenix Fund, a
conservation charity operating in the Primorsky region in the south of the
Russian Far East. The region borders the People’s Republic of China and
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and is home to the critically
endangered Amur Tiger and Amur Leopards. DWF supports the Phoenix Fund
in educate surrounding communities and providing vehicles and training
in support of anti-poaching patrols in Russia's oldest nature reserve, the
Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve.
Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation is the largest Zoological contributor to tiger conservation.
Our Conservation Partner
KOALA CONSERVATIONDreamworld Themepark Division is a Gold Sponsor of the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF). DWF allocates funds to several research
projects regarding koala populations and habitat conservation. Despite Al Mucci’s presentation at the Senate Enquiry into the status of the
koala and the subsequent Federal Government’s 2012 decision to classify Queensland’s koalas as vulnerable and add them to the Threatened
Species List, there remains a lot of work to be done to stabilise diminishing koala populations.
DWF through the leadership of Al Mucci has developed the Koala Land project. The Koala Land project is a collaborative effort to
recommend ways of protecting koalas and koala habitats in the Koala Coast region of South East Queensland. The report sets out achievable
solutions for rebuilding koala populations based on information gathered from interviews with people that have worked with koalas for
decades including Government, researchers, scientists, vets, wildlife rescuers and other stakeholders. This collection of knowledge provides
a picture of what needs to be done to prevent koalas on the Koala Coast from becoming extinct.
KOALA LAND – KOALA RESEARCH COLLABORATION PROJECTEvery councillor, politician, planner, developer need to find ways where people and koalas can live together. Download your copy of the
Koala Land Report www.koalandland.com.au and start koala conservation in your own backyard.
20 = The number of hours per day a koala sleeps. Koalas are not bears but are marsupials that carry their young in a pouch.
www.savethekoala.com
Our Conservation Partner
TREE KANGAROO CONSERVATIONDWF partners and supports the Tree Roo Rescue and Conservation Centre (TRRACC) to increase awareness of Australian tree kangaroo
conservation, particularly the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo (LTK). TRRACC in Far North Queensland rescues and rehabilitates orphaned
and injured tree kangaroos for release back to the wild. The LTK is an iconic Australian animal. Worryingly it is on the decline with an
undiagnosed blindness occurring in the unique marsupial. Through the work of Al Mucci supported by DWF and TRRACC, more needs to
be done and investigated about the blindness disease and preventing it spreading further. We believe we have identified the plant which
is called Rhodomyrtus macrocarpus which can cause blindness. This requires more work.
While research into the challenges for the species is ongoing, we need to lobby governments for status change so we do not lose this
species from the North.
www.treeroorescue.org.au
14 = The number of species of tree kangaroos in existence. They measure about 30 inches not including their 16 – 34 inch tails.
Our Conservation Partner
12 =The number of days that a female bilby is pregnant. There were 2 species of bilbies in Australia however one of them has already become extinct.
BILBY CONSERVATIONDWF supports the Save the Bilby Fund Inc (STBF). through fundraising,
education, research and direct action to secure the long-term conservation
of bilbies. Dreamworld Themepark is the only zoological facility authorised
by the Queensland Government to breed captive bilbies. Dreamworld
Themepark the business contributes captive bred bilbies which are raised
and released into Currawinya National Park, South-western Queensland. A
predator proof fence was built by Australians supporting STBF, unfortunately
this fence got breached early 2014. Recently, Al Mucci and the Queensland
Environment Minister announced $700,000 of monies to be allocated for re-
building the predator proof fence.
DWF and STBF in collaboration with the IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding
Specialist Group (CBSG) have led and produced the Greater Bilby Recovery
Summit 2015 Report and Interim Conservation Plan. This will guide and
establish whole of Australia plan for the conservation of this unique
Australian marsupial.
www.savethebilbyfund.com
Our Conservation Partner
www.trowunna.com.au
35 = The number of cents o f f e r e d b y t h e Va n Diemen’s Land Company in 1830 as a reward for every female devil killed. The reward for a male devil was only 25 cents.
150 = Northern Hairy Nose Wombats left on the planet.
WOMBAT CONSERVATIONDreamworld Themepark Division supports the conservation breeding program at Trowunna
Wildlife Park, Tasmania. Understanding the husbandry and reproductive biology of these unique
marsupials through the partnership with Trowunna is critical to then supporting the animal
management in the wild. These captive animals raise awareness through education about the
plight of their wild cousins.
TASMANIAN DEVIL CONSERVATIONDevil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) has decimated the wild population of
Tasmanian devils. Dreamworld Themepark supports Trowunna Wildlife
Park who breed devils for release onto offshore islands from Tasmania.
Dreamworld Themepark Division houses Tasmanian devils which form part
of the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Meta-Population which in turn
supports the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program. Dreamworld Themepark
Division is proud to be supporting such a worthwhile conservation initiative.
Our Conservation Partner
Figure 1: Candidates for deposits into the live koala genome bank
Figure 2: Artificial insemination in the koala has resulted in 33 pouch young
DWF supports The University of Queensland
Progress on implementing the Live Koala Genome Bank has
been based on a background knowledge of nearly 20 years
reproductive research for which Dreamworld Themepark staff
have been at the forefront, contributing the use of facilities, koalas
and husbandry and veterinary skills of its in order to help A/Prof
Johnston and his students better understand the reproductive
biology of this iconic species. Our research has resulted in a greatly
improved understanding of the koala reproductive cycle (oestrus,
ovulation and pregnancy, the effect of lactation and seasonality)
and the world first development of a range artificial breeding
technology such as semen collection, chilled and frozen sperm
preservation, assessments of fertility, oestrous synchronisation
and artificial insemination. (http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1095/
biolreprod.107.064824)
Figure 3: Live staining of koala spermatozoa – Green heads are live sperm whereas red heads are dead sperm; Orange tails are active sperm, whereas green tails have low metabolic activity
CONSERVATION RESEARCHAssociate Professor Stephen Johnston (BSc Hons PhD) is a reproductive
zoologist based in the Wildlife Science Unit of the School of Agriculture and
Food Sciences at the University of Queensland (UQ) (http://researchers.
uq.edu.au/researcher/221). Stephen has had a long and successful working
relationship with staff at Dreamworld Themepark Division and DWF,
conducting research on species that range from koalas, two species of
wombat and the endangered Greater bilby. Remarkably, Dreamworld has
been directly or indirectly a collaborator with A/Prof Johnston for information
on wildlife related topics that has contributed to 3 book chapters, 39 peer-
reviewed articles in scientific journals, 9 PhDs, 1 MPhil and 6 BAppSc
honours students.
Al Mucci and A/Prof Johnston are the primary architects of a concept they
have coined the “Live Koala Genome Bank”, a DWF funded project that
seeks to engage the Queensland zoo community with a direct and “hands
on” role with regard to koala conservation in South East Queensland. In
association with UQ geneticist, A/Prof Jennifer Seddon, UQ PhD student,
Ms Bridie Schultz and the Queensland Department of Environment Heritage
and Protection, Dreamworld Veterinarian Dr Vere Nicolson and Dreamworld
veterinary nursing and zookeeping staff have been contributing their
collective skills to this project, which examines the genetic and reproductive
health of both wild and captive koalas with the objective to better manage
the long-term viability of vulnerable south-east Queensland populations. The
project runs with the Motto that “zoos should be producers of wildlife not
consumers.”(http://koalaland.com.au/the-role-of-queensland-wildlife-parks-
in-the-fine-scale-genetic-management-of-captive-and-fragmented-koala-
populations)
Dreamworld Themepark’s Veterinarian Dr Nicolson has been involved in a range of reproductive and behavioural research into a colony of
20 Southern Hairy-nosed wombats located at the Wombat Breeding Centre, Safe Haven Project of Australian Animals Care and Education.
This colony, which is based at Mt Larcom, on the central coast of Queensland has been purposely established to function as a captive
husbandry and reproductive model for the highly endangered Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat. (http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/videos/
dreamworld-vet-visits-mt-larcom-wombat-centre/21948/; http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/145/6/R157.full)
DWF and Al Mucci provided funds and on-ground support to investigate the ecology and genetic distinctiveness of Queensland’s only
common wombat colony located at Girraween National Park; these animals are the most northern members of a remnant population and our
research has helped to elucidate their strange cave-dwelling habit and interesting genetic relationships with other populations of common
wombat in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
Most recently, Dreamworld Themepark’s Al Mucci has collaborated with A/Prof Johnston’s post-doctoral fellow, Dr Tamara Keeley. Dr
Keeley is an expert in the science of non-invasive assessment of stress and reproductive hormones. Dr Keeley is currently investigating
the reproductive cycle of the koala and tree kangaroo by studying the release of hormone metabolites in faecal and urine samples; she has
used her skills to help detect early pregnancy in Dreamworld’s Tigers. (http://www.4bc.com.au/radio/dreamworld-staff-collecting-roo-poo-
20150818-gj1s3a)
Dreamworld Themepark in association with Save the Bilby Fund has provided funding and worked closely with A/Prof Johnston to reveal
new information on the reproductive anatomy and physiology of the male and female Greater Bilby, and has helped to conduct a genetic
analysis of the current captive bilby populations in Queensland. In association with Veterinarian Dr Vere Nicolson, A/Prof Johnston and
his colleagues have explored dental and arthritic diseases in this species. These investigations have utilised novel 3D imaging technology
to create 3D printed models of the bilby skull and dentition to improve veterinary dental treatments. (https://www.uq.edu.au/news/
article/2013/12/bilby-toothache-answered-advanced-technology)
Figure 4: 3D model of bilby skull showing coloured teeth inserts to help improve veterinary dentist treatments.
KOALASGriffith University worked with Dreamworld Themepark’s Al Mucci
to develop the methodology required to assess the physiological
stress levels of captive koala’s at Dreamworld. The development of
this methodology, and the research results provide baseline stress
hormone levels for koalas and was used to assess the impacts of
disease, handling by park visitors, and other factors that influence
stress hormone levels in captive koalas. Our results demonstrated
that handling of koalas for visitor experience did not influence stress
hormone levels however they were influenced by other health
issues within captive koalas. These results also provide baseline
data that can be used to evaluate the tress hormone levels in wild
koalas.
• Narayan, E., K. Webster, V. Nicolson, A. Mucci & J.-M. Hero.
2013. Non-invasive evaluation of physiological stress in an iconic
Australian marsupial: the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). General
& Comparative Endocrinology.187:39-47.
DWF supports Griffith University
DWF and the Environmental Futures Research Institute at Griffith
University has been actively involved in numerous collaborative
research projects that have focussed on the conservation of wildlife
in Australia.
Recent projects include:
TAUDACTYLUS CAPTIVE BREEDINGDWF provided funding for field research activities needed prior
to establishing a captive breeding facility for Taudactylus liemi.
This allowed us to collect in situ temperature and microhabitat
parameters needed to establish the captive population at the
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. We have now successfully bred
second generation frogs. This species is only found in Queensland
and is highly endangered.
TIGERSGriffith University worked with Dreamworld Themepark and other
zoos in Australia to develop the methodology required using tiger
scat samples to assess the physiological stress levels of captive
tiger populations. The development of this methodology, and the
research results provide baseline stress hormone levels in tigers
that are essential to evaluate stress hormone levels as an indicator
of health in wild tiger populations.
• Parnell, T., E. Narayan, M. Magrath, S. Rowe, J.-M. Hero. 2014.
Evaluating physiological stress in Sumatran tigers (Panthera
tigris ssp. sumatrae) managed in Australian Zoos. Conservation
Physiology 2014-045.R2
• Narayan, E., G. Clark, P. Martin-Vegue, T. Parnell, A. Mucci & J.-M.
Hero. 2013. Faecal cortisol metabolites in Bengal (Panthera tigris
tigris) and Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae). General &
Comparative Endocrinology. 194:318–325.
BILBIESGriffith University worked with Dreamworld Themepark’s Al Mucci to
develop the methodology required to assess the physiological stress
levels of captive and semi-wild bilby populations. The development
of this methodology, and the research results provide baseline
stress hormone levels in bilbies that are essential to evaluate stress
hormone levels as an indicator of health in wild bilby populations.
• Lollback, G., Rachel Mebberson, Nicole Evans, Jonathan Shuker,.
& J.-M. Hero. 2015. Estimating the abundance of the bilby
(Macrotis lagotis): a Vulnerable, uncommon, nocturnal marsupial.
Australian Mammalogy 37:75-85
• Narayan, E., N. L. Evans & J.-M. Hero. 2014. Monitoring
physiological stress in semi-free ranging populations of an
endangered Australian marsupial, the Greater Bilby (Macrotis
lagotis). European J. Wildlife Research. DOI 10.1007/s10344-014-
0842-z
• Evans, N., E. Narayan, J.-M. Hero. 2013. Effects of natural
weathering conditions on fecal cortisol metabolite measurements
in the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis). Australian Journal of
Zoology. 61: 351-356.
• Narayan, E., N. Evans, V. Nicolson, A. Mucci & J.-M. Hero.
2012. Non-invasive evaluation of physiological stress hormonal
responses in a captive population of the Greater Bilby (Macrotis
lagotis). Endangered Species Research. 18: 279–289.
Pic courtesy of Nic Rakotopare
Pic courtesy of Nic Rakotopare
Pic courtesy of Nic Rakotopare Pic courtesy of Jean-Marc Hero
TRAFFICDWF have partnered with TRAFFIC, a lead NGO in the fight against illegal wildlife trade. Traffic’s mission
is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
The work being provided is a collaborative effort in funding forensic investigation to uncover illegal
wildlife trafficking.
DWF is also supporting a team of 25 South East Asian staff with project management skills from the
Institute of Management Blue Vision.
These initiatives will help police and relevant country authorities to curtail the growth of this illegal trade
area that impacts wild animal populations globally. Illegal wildlife trade was once an emerging threat.
Wildlife crime today has transformed into one of the largest international organised criminal activities
and sits alongside human, drugs and weapons trafficking.
Donations to DWF are accepted through the collection boxes and retail outlets throughout Dreamworld Themepark and through the website at: http://shop.dreamworld.com.au/Tickets/dwf-donation
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
AL MUCCI General Manager Life SciencesDreamworld [email protected]
Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation LimitedCharitable Fundraising Authority: CFN/22016Sanction No: CP5545ACN: 150 274 463
REGISTERED OFFICE:Level 1661 Lavender StreetMILSONS POINTNSW 2000
+61 (0)2 9409 3670
Acknowledgement:We acknowledge the traditional Yugambeh Language People of the Gold Coast, and Elders past and present.We acknowledge our conservation partners Trowunna Wildlife Park, Queensland Government, Griffith University, University of Queensland, 21st Century Tiger, Fauna & Flora International, Australian Koala Foundation, Tree Roo Rescue and Conservation Centre, Save the Bilby Fund, Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.
DONATIONS AND CONTACTS
TRADING OFFICE:Dreamworld ParkwayCOOMERAQLD 4209
+61 (0)7 5588 1111