SAFE HAVEN BEQUEST PROGRAM HELP ZOOS VICTORIA PROTECT THE FUTURE OF OUR WILDLIFE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

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1 SAFE HAVEN BEQUEST PROGRAM HELP ZOOS VICTORIA PROTECT THE FUTURE OF OUR WILDLIFE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

2 MAKE A LASTING GIFT TO YOUR ZOO I have been supporting the work of the Zoo for many years, through involvement at a board level and also through my family s philanthropic activities. I believe strongly in the world-leading work that Zoos Victoria is undertaking in areas of conservation and animal care and I am personally very enthusiastic about the way our zoos are building their position as a world leading zoo-based conversation organisation. Having been involved for many years, I see an organisation that is passionate and committed to providing a safe haven for the animals in their care and in the wild. It is this passion and vision that has inspired me to commit my support to Zoos Victoria to assist them with the challenges they face in fighting extinction. I would like to encourage you to consider making a bequest to Zoos Victoria. In doing so, you will be joining a committed group of people who believe, as passionately as we do, in the future of our great zoos. Sid Myer AM. Sid Myer AM Chair, Zoos Victoria Foundation

3 ZOOS VICTORIA S SAFE HAVEN BEQUEST PROGRAM Securing the future for animals in our care and fighting extinction for years to come. Zoos Victoria is all about families. It always has been. We see our three zoos as a family of incredible staff, animals, members and supporters. Like any family, we are concerned with the future and making sure our family members are protected and looked after. That means providing for the future of the animals in our care, and their wild cousins. Zoos Victoria is home to 300 species including the majestic Asian Elephant, the graceful giraffe and the feisty Tasmanian Devil. Many of these animals are facing a tough time in the wild as their natural homes come under increasing threat from human activities. This is why we have made it our goal to raise $85 million in the next five years so we can build essential infrastructure, develop world leading exhibits, and fund the programs that create a safe haven for threatened species in Australia and overseas. I invite you to be an enduring part of the Zoos Victoria family by making a bequest to help us continue to provide joy to our visitors, exceptional care to our animals and a secure future for their wild cousins, now and for many, many generations to come. Thank you. Jenny Gray. Jenny Gray CEO, Zoos Victoria 1

4 LEAVE A LEGACY TO THE ANIMALS THAT YOU LOVE It s hard not to be impressed by the size of the elephants, to wonder at the uniqueness that is the Platypus, or to be thrilled as a butterfly lands on your outstretched finger in the Butterfly House. It s also hard to imagine a world without these beautiful creatures, or one without a zoo that inspires and excites both young and old. Zoos Victoria not only wants to inspire and excite, we also want to save. We have made it our core mission to fight the extinction of wildlife species in Australia and overseas by: + Caring for and breeding endangered species + Supporting recovery programs + Fostering community awareness and raising support + Conducting ongoing research in reproduction & reintroduction. Bequeathing a gift to Zoos Victoria ensures that we continue to provide our animals with the highest quality of care and offer our visitors a wonderful experience that becomes a memory for life. We would like to invite you to consider our Safe Haven Bequest Program, securing the future for animals in our care and in the wild for years to come. 2

5 I ve been working with the elephants at Melbourne Zoo for the past 14 years and I love it. Dokkoon is one of my best mates. She s a natural mother, and her kids Mali and the new little one due soon will be part of the next generation of elephants that are essential to the success of our regional breeding program and play a key role in educating our visitors. An elephant can live to over 60, so it s great to be a part of our future planning which will see continued improvements and the ongoing success of our breeding program. Dave McKelson, Head Keeper at Trail of the Elephants, Melbourne Zoo

6 At Zoos Victoria, we want future generations to be able to visit wonderful animals at our zoos, and to know that they are thriving in the wild. A gift in your Will can help to make this possible. Every gift to the Zoo, no matter how small, has a real effect on our future and the future of our precious animals. 4 The Butterfly House remains one of Melbourne Zoo s most popular exhibits for visitors of all ages.

7 HELP US CREATE A SAFE HAVEN The Safe Haven Bequest Program is about acknowledging our supporters who intend to leave us a gift in their Will. Sharing this important information means we can celebrate together your commitment and thank you for your future gift during your lifetime. It also allows us to plan for the future of our zoos with more certainty. As one of our Safe Haven supporters you will receive: + Invitations to special events + Updates on what s happening at our zoos + Online recognition as one of our Safe Haven bequestors (if desired) + You will hear about our breeding successes and programs to fight extinction and save endangered animals + You ll also get to meet others who, like you, support our work. And, when we receive your gift, you will be acknowledged on our Supporter Honour Boards at Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo. 5

8 CHOOSING WHERE YOUR GIFT WILL MAKE THE MOST DIFFERENCE We are the oldest zoo in Australia and have one of the strongest commitments to conservation and fighting extinction of any zoo in the world. Our 150 years of experience in animal care means that we have the expertise and ability to keep caring for wildlife for many years to come. You can be confident that your gift will be used to help Zoos Victoria fight the extinction of wildlife in Australia and overseas. If you are passionate about a specific property, a particular species or a conservation program, please contact us so we can discuss how your gift can be used in a way that is tailored to your passion. We can help you with drafting words that will clearly outline your intent in your Will. Similarly, should you wish to make a significant bequest, we would be happy to discuss appropriate acknowledgement. 6

9 Although they are one of Australia s best known animals, a horrific disease is destroying Tasmanian Devil populations at an alarming rate. Devils could be facing extinction in the wild within a few short years, thus our population at Healesville Sanctuary may well house some of the last remaining devils in the world. Zoos Victoria has committed to maintaining an insurance population to ensure that one day, decades into the future, we may be able repopulate Tasmania with a new generation of healthy devils. It s this long term commitment and vision that inspires me every day to find ways to save this amazing species. Dr Marissa Parrott, Reproductive Biologist, Zoos Victoria 7

10 INCLUDING ZOOS VICTORIA IN YOUR WILL If you would like to leave a gift to Zoos Victoria in your Will here are some simple options: Residuary Bequest enables you to leave the balance of your estate - once your family and friends have been provided for - to Zoos Victoria. A Residuary Bequest means that you don t have to amend the gift in your Will if your financial situation changes. Specified Amount you may wish to specify the dollar amount or percentage amount that you would like to bequeath to Zoos Victoria. A Perpetuity you may wish to select a specific amount or percentage of your estate that is provided to Zoos Victoria as a permanent annuity an annual amount for a period of years or up to a certain total. In this way, Zoos Victoria can rely on your support with regular gifts into the future. Your legal advisor can assist in helping you make the right choice. Meeting the Lions at Werribee Open Range Zoo. 8

11 CHOOSING THE RIGHT WORDS Healesville Sanctuary Keeper, Kelly with Swamp Wallaby, Smurf. It is important that you use the correct wording in your Will. Our business details (including the ABN and mailing address) are below and should be included in any official documentation: Zoological Parks and Gardens Board PO Box 74 Parkville Victoria 3052 ABN Tel: Your solicitor may find the following bequest clause helpful: I devise and bequeath to the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board free of all taxes and other deductions [the residue of my estate/ or other type of bequest] to be used for the general purpose of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board, and the receipt of the Secretary or other proper officer of the said fund shall be sufficient discharge to my Trustee. Zoos Victoria provides this information as a guideline only. We strongly recommend that you seek professional guidance from a legal or financial advisor. 9

12 Keepers Bronwyn and Jessica with the Platypus twins, Birrarung and Alooka.

13 YOUR INFORMATION If you would like more information about leaving a gift in your Will to Zoos Victoria, we would be happy to have a confidential discussion with you and share with you some of the exciting plans for the future of our three great zoos. Please call us on , or complete the details overleaf and return to Julia White, Philanthropy Manager I would like more information on leaving a gift to Zoos Victoria in my Will, please contact me OR I have already included Zoos Victoria in my Will. Please turn over... 11

14 Title: First Name(s): Surname: YOUR DETAILS Please return this form to: Julia White Philanthropy Manager Zoos Victoria Foundation PO Box 74 Parkville, Victoria 3052 By Address: Suburb: State: Contact Number: Postcode: We appreciate any information that you can provide to help us with our planning, but understand that this is a personal decision. All information provided to Zoos Victoria is treated with utmost confidentiality. I have left a gift to the Zoo in my Will and would like to be included in the Safe Haven Bequest Program I enclose an extract of my Will, as lodged with my solicitor I would like to remain anonymous 12

15 As someone who loves animals and who intends to leave us a gift, you are a valued member of our closest group of supporters. LET ZOOS VICTORIA KNOW IF YOU ARE LEAVING A BEQUEST Julia White and Australian Fur-seal, Tarwin We would be delighted to know if you have acknowledged us in your Will so we can thank you for your generous support and ensure your wishes can be met. Providing us with your details and advice of your intended gift will enable us to include you in our Safe Haven Bequest Program. Of course, whether or not you participate in this program, your privacy is respected at all times. Your personal details will be treated in the strictest of confidence and we will respect your wishes if you choose to remain anonymous. If you would like further information about leaving a bequest to Zoos Victoria, or you would like to discuss your gift in confidence, please complete and return the attached form or contact: Julia White Philanthropy Manager Zoos Victoria Foundation Tel:

16 Front cover image: The Leadbeater s Possum, Victoria s faunal emblem, is under threat of extinction. You can help us to provide a safe haven and save them. Photo: Dan Harley. Zoos Victoria PO Box 74 Parkville Victoria 3052 Tel: zvfoundation@zoo.org.au ABN Zoos Victoria is a not-for-profit conservation organisation.