Just been sent a copy of a “Report on the Economic and Social Contribution of the Zoological Industry in Australia”, commissioned by ARAZPA. There are some interesting facts some members of this group may be interested in. Figures mostly relate to 2007. The consultants surveyed in detail 20 zoos, including both government and non-government, and both ARAZPA and non-ARAZPA zoos, so the figures here are “blown up” to reflect the entire industry, and thus are only estimates.
Total income of zoos across Australia (government and private) was estimated at $424 million. It was estimated that for surveyed zoos about 30.7% of income was from entry fees, and about 27.2% was from state government grants. Next biggest was trading and franchise income at about 20.5%. The survey was a little heavy on government zoos, and elsewhere the consultants suggest that income from entry fees overall was about 40%.
There were an estimated 8.56 million visits to zoos annually, of which an estimated 3.3 million are overseas tourists. These were further divided into 3.45 million visits to zoos, 2.28 million to wildlife parks, and 2.28 million to aquariums and maritime parks (no definitions supplied}. Actual visitors (given that some will visit two or more zoos a year, or make multiple visits to one zoo) over 16 years of age was estimated at about 5.7 million individuals. This is about 35.6% of the population over 16, a figure that hasn’t changed in 10 years.
About 5800 people work full time in zoos, while about 2300 work part time. About 45% work directly with animals. There were also around 2200 volunteers, and over 160,000 members of friends organisations.
Per capita spending by states is also interesting: ACT $5.77, NSW $5.1, NT nil (strange), Qld nil, SA $1.98, Tas nil, Vic $2.24, WA $4.55, and overall $2.92. This effectively means that each government zoo visitor receives on average a $4.00 subsidy.
Food for thought.
Total income of zoos across Australia (government and private) was estimated at $424 million. It was estimated that for surveyed zoos about 30.7% of income was from entry fees, and about 27.2% was from state government grants. Next biggest was trading and franchise income at about 20.5%. The survey was a little heavy on government zoos, and elsewhere the consultants suggest that income from entry fees overall was about 40%.
There were an estimated 8.56 million visits to zoos annually, of which an estimated 3.3 million are overseas tourists. These were further divided into 3.45 million visits to zoos, 2.28 million to wildlife parks, and 2.28 million to aquariums and maritime parks (no definitions supplied}. Actual visitors (given that some will visit two or more zoos a year, or make multiple visits to one zoo) over 16 years of age was estimated at about 5.7 million individuals. This is about 35.6% of the population over 16, a figure that hasn’t changed in 10 years.
About 5800 people work full time in zoos, while about 2300 work part time. About 45% work directly with animals. There were also around 2200 volunteers, and over 160,000 members of friends organisations.
Per capita spending by states is also interesting: ACT $5.77, NSW $5.1, NT nil (strange), Qld nil, SA $1.98, Tas nil, Vic $2.24, WA $4.55, and overall $2.92. This effectively means that each government zoo visitor receives on average a $4.00 subsidy.
Food for thought.
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