1 Welcome 4 Capital Development 13 Programs & Services 20 Financial Statements ELCO W

Transcription

1 Annual Report 2015

2 ELCOME! 1 Welcome 2 Message from the Chair of the Board 3 Message from the President and CEO 4 Capital Development 4 New Entities 7 Refurbishment 8 Level of Care 10 Imagine a Place Campaign 13 Programs & Services 14 Connecting with the Community 17 Conservation and Research 19 Staff and Volunteer Resources 20 Financial Statements

3 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 3 Message from the Chair of the Board Message from the President and CEO 2015 marked an exciting step in Assiniboine Park Conservancy s Imagine a Place Campaign with the public unveiling of the third and final phase of our $200 million redevelopment Canada s Diversity Gardens. This project, along with those completed to date, is something of which all Winnipeggers and Manitobans can be proud. Reflecting back over the past year, it s hard to believe that so much has happened here at Assiniboine Park Conservancy in such a short period of time. Much like previous years, 2015 was a whirlwind of announcements and events, many achievements, and exciting new endeavors launched. The opening of Journey to Churchill at the Assiniboine Park Zoo was a significant milestone not only for our Park and Zoo, but also for our city. Rated Winnipeg s number one paid attraction last year, the award-winning Journey to Churchill is now recognized throughout the international zoological community as one of the best Arctic species exhibits in the world. From a visitor perspective, the Zoo is undoubtedly one of the top, must-see attractions in Winnipeg. This is a project we can all be proud of as it elevates our city and our province as a tourist destination for people from around the world. As we now move towards the third phase in the redevelopment campaign, our focus shifts to the life-sustaining world of plants, biodiversity and cultural diversity. This next major initiative is Canada s Diversity Gardens a new, iconic horticultural attraction planned for the southeast corner of Assiniboine Park. Indoors and outdoors, it will represent a fresh take on the blending of culture, diversity, horticultural displays and community gathering space all in one location. It will be a meaningful centre of activity for the entire community. Canada s Diversity Gardens is an exciting project not only from a local and provincial perspective, but also for Canada as a nation. This is the time to make this project happen we have a window of opportunity and we re looking to our partners and to the community to help us turn this vision into a reality. We ve set the standard with our projects to date, and Canada s Diversity Gardens will follow suit elevating Manitoba s status as a travel destination on both a national and international level. It is extraordinary how far we have come in such a short period of time. Over the last seven years Assiniboine Park and Zoo have been brought back to life through the Imagine a Place Campaign. Through unprecedented support from our government partners, foundations, private donors, and the community at large, it has been clearly demonstrated how important this cherished asset is to all of us. For that, I am truly grateful as we continue our hard work to ensure that Assiniboine Park remains a place of beauty, wonder, excitement and reprieve, welcoming a multitude of visitors from near and far, year after year. Hartley T. Richardson Chair, APC Board of Directors & Imagine a Place Campaign Each year, as the snow melts and the Park and Zoo come alive with signs of spring, we are busy preparing for the summer months ahead. Summer marked the first anniversary of the opening of the Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, and what an incredible year it was! There is nothing like seeing the amazement on a child s face as they come nose to nose with a polar bear. The Park was a bustling hub of activity all summer long with more than 50,000 people attending free concerts and events at the Lyric Theatre and the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. In August we held the second annual Wildest Dreams event where nearly 1,000 children and their family members facing health and/or socio-economic challenges were given a once-in-a-lifetime Zoo experience they will never forget. September was marked with great excitement as we publicly announced plans for Canada s Diversity Gardens the next major initiative planned as part of the overall redevelopment of Assiniboine Park. In front of an audience of 400 people, it was my pleasure to unveil plans for what will be an iconic horticultural attraction like no other, as well as a celebration of biodiversity and multi-culturalism. In late fall we were saddened by the news that two polar bear cubs had been left orphaned in northern Manitoba after an unfortunate accident with their mother. Our Polar Bear Rescue Team was called to action by Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, and the cubs were brought back safely to the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre at the Zoo. The year came to an end with the exciting news that the Assiniboine Park Zoo was named the #1 brand in the province of Manitoba. This success and the success of Assiniboine Park Conservancy as a whole can be directly attributed to the many staff, volunteers, Board members, donors and community members that visit and support the Park and Zoo year after year. To say that we have achieved a lot together over the years would be an understatement. It s simply extraordinary, and it makes me proud to come to our beautiful park every day and work with an amazing team of people that make a difference in this community. Margaret Redmond President and CEO, Assiniboine Park Conservancy

4 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 5 CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT New Entities McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre On August 28, the new McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre opened at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Located in the northeast corner of the Zoo, the exhibit covers 4.7 acres, is home to five Percheron horses year-round and includes a barn, pastures, paddocks, and a carriage shed. The large outdoor paddock area consists of three spacious holding areas where visitors can view the horses. Visitors to the Zoo have the opportunity to experience barn tours and learn about the pioneer era of Manitoba s history when heavy horse power was relied on in industries such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and road construction. Wagon rides are also offered through the exhibit, weather permitting. The McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre is named in recognition of former Great-West Lifeco CEO and Chair Ray McFeetors, whose personal donation of $2 million was the catalyst for the project. Great-West Life has pledged an additional $250,000 in support of the Great-West Life Paddock within the McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre. New Animals Polar Bears In March, Humphrey, a 16-month-old polar bear from the Toronto Zoo was relocated to the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The move to Winnipeg has given Humphrey the opportunity to socialize with other polar bears close to his age and learn natural bear behaviours. In late October, a pair of orphaned polar bear cubs arrived at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. The two cubs, both male, were approximately 11 months old at the time and travelled to Winnipeg after being identified as candidates for transfer to the Centre by Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship. Members of the Assiniboine Park Zoo s Polar Bear Rescue Team traveled to Churchill to supervise the polar bear cubs trip to Winnipeg. The cubs names York and Eli were selected through a Donate to Vote campaign to name the bears that raised more than $18,000 in support of the Polar Bear Rescue Team and the ongoing care of polar bears at the Zoo. Amur Tiger In early December, Volga, a two-year-old female Amur tiger arrived at the Assiniboine Park Zoo from the Granby Zoo in Quebec. Volga was transferred as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan program (SSP). Assiniboine Park Zoo currently participates in over 50 breeding programs through both the SSP and the European Endangered Species Program (EEP). Many of these programs represent species that urgently need to be conserved and protected in the wild. Harbour Seals In 2015, three new seals were added to the underwater tunnels at Journey to Churchill s Gateway to the Arctic building. In May, two 10-month-old harbour seals, Anton and Emil, arrived from Germany and in August Caesium arrived from the Vancouver Aquarium. The three joined Neptune, who has lived at the Zoo since the opening of Journey to Churchill in Animal Births There were several animal births at the Zoo during the 2015 year, including: Two male snow leopard cubs born May 15 to mother Batu. This is the second litter for the experienced mom who previously gave birth to Raj and Kovo in The names Yuki and Kang were selected through a naming poll held on the Park and Zoo Facebook page. A male baby musk ox was born in the Journey to Churchill exhibit on May 15. Three red panda cubs were born on June 22. This is the first set of red panda triplets to be born at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Two pronghorn, one male and one female, were born in early May to mother Kelowna, a four-year-old orphaned female that came to Assiniboine Park Zoo from a Calgary Rehabilitation Centre in 2011.

5 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 7 Zoo Tram The new 40-seat tram operates within the Zoo on a route that connects the main entrance with the north end of the property, including several stops along the way. Operating seven days a week from spring through late fall, the free tram makes the Zoo more accessible for visitors. DOMO Park Shuttle From late spring to early fall, the DOMO Shuttle provided free shuttle service within Assiniboine Park to and from all major attractions including the Assiniboine Park Zoo. LEED Certification In 2015, two facilities within Journey to Churchill; Gateway to the Arctic and the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. LEED is the rating system recognized as the international mark of excellence for green buildings in 150 countries worldwide. Awards In late September, the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) announced that the Assiniboine Park Zoo was the recipient of Top Honors in the AZA 2015 Award category for Exhibit Design for the Journey to Churchill exhibit. The Assiniboine Park Zoo is the first Canadian facility to win this award since the awards started in With its annual Exhibit Award, AZA recognizes excellence by an AZA-accredited Institution (US or International) or related facility member in the areas of exhibit design and providing visitors with the opportunity to engage in observing and learning about the animals. In October, Assiniboine Park Zoo was awarded the Thomas R. Baines award for the Journey to Churchill exhibit from Canada s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). CAZA Executive Director Massimo Bergamini made the announcement at the CAZA Achievement Awards held at the closing of the CAZA annual conference held in Winnipeg and hosted by the Assiniboine Park Zoo from October 1st to 3rd. The Thomas R. Baines award is the most prestigious recognition granted by the Association. This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an accredited institutional member in exhibit design, animal husbandry, and education or for other significant contributions to the zoo and aquarium field. Garden Associations In 2015, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy became an institutional member of the American Public Gardens Association, the leading professional organization for the field of public horticulture. APC also became a member of the Canada Garden Council; the national umbrella body for provincial and national garden organizations that manages a variety of garden tourism initiatives. REFURBISHMENT Mayor s Grove Through support from RBC, the Mayor s Grove space in Assiniboine Park was rejuvenated with new pathways, interpretive signage, and the addition of new trees and plants, transforming it into a water wise garden. The new garden features over 500 water wise trees and plants that will play an integral role in the Park s education programs. Plantings and mulch selected for the space maximize Water Upgrades Throughout 2015, Assiniboine Park Conservancy implemented several water related upgrades throughout the Park and Zoo to help with water conservation efforts. A selection of site water valve upgrades and improvements were implemented including new irrigation boxes, saving approximately 40,000 litres of water. the efficiency of water usage so that plants can then live on the resources available. The new garden officially opened on June 19 in celebration of Canada s Garden Day, a national celebration organized by the Canadian Garden Council that encourages Canadians to enjoy their own gardens, nearby community gardens or head to a garden destination to share in their favourite garden experience. Funding from water stewardship grants allowed for solar panels to be installed at the Boy with the Boot statue in the English Garden along with a new re-circulating pump, resulting in less water needed to operate the statue. Three new bottle filling water stations were installed throughout the Zoo. Usage of the stations resulted in over 10,000 plastic water bottles saved in Lighting and Electrical Upgrades In 2015, the main electrical system to the Zoo was completely upgraded including new transformers and underground cabling. The upgrade renewed the internal electrical grid and resulted in the removal of the overhead power lines and poles from the middle of the Zoo. The upgraded system allows APC to provide more reliable and energy efficient power service to the entire Zoo, in particular, the northwest area of the property. Additional lighting upgrades include: LED site lighting and additional pathway lighting added at the interior of the Special Events entrance to the Zoo. Lighting at the Kinsmen Discovery Centre Barn upgraded to LED. New interior LED lighting installed at the Native Bird building. Conservatory Maintenance The current Conservatory is more than 100 years old and is nearing the end of its life span as a functional building within Assiniboine Park. In 2015, the Conservatory underwent critical maintenance in order to manage the facility moving forward. The maintenance included a new roof on the potting house, re-pointing of exterior brick and the removal of old green houses that no longer met safety and building code standards.

6 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 9 Over 250 saplings were planted in the Riparian Forest in LEVEL OF CARE Pathway Improvements Several pathway improvements were made in the Park and Zoo throughout the year including: A new stone pathway was installed from the East Gate parking lot to the main Zoo entrance making the walking surface more accessible for Park and Zoo users. The pathway around the pelican pond in the Zoo was repaved. New patio stones and fencing were installed around the tiger exhibit. Riparian Forest Restoration The 2015 season was another successful year for the Assiniboine Park Riparian Forest Project. The Green Team was able to remove a sizable amount of European buckthorn and plant a high number of containerized plants. Favourable flood conditions in the early spring and decent weather throughout the season allowed for the regeneration of many plants growing in lower riparian areas. Notable successes for this season include the establishment of new trails, completion of buckthorn removal and wood chipping at the Conservatory plot and initial steps towards controlling buckthorn in new sections of the Park. Active work towards forest health regeneration, as well as limiting foot traffic on river banks, will continue in the coming years. Preventing Bird Strikes Bird strikes on windows are a source of mortality during the spring and fall migrations. Across the world, people and organizations are working on solutions to create beautiful buildings that allow natural light in but that also minimize the risk to migrating birds. Over the last two years, with the help of many staff and volunteers, APC has been monitoring Park and Zoo buildings to identify high-risk areas. Since the initiative began in 2013, a total of 192 bird strikes (83% of them fatal) were recorded. Using the data collected, the uppermost windows at the lion pavilion within the Zoo were identified as consistent problem areas. With the help of APC facilities and grounds staff, bird silhouettes were installed on the windows in October in preparation for the next migration. No bird strikes were recorded in this area after these measures were taken. This small success is only the first step in our efforts to make our Park and Zoo buildings and exhibits bird friendly. 138 trees, five to 10 gallons in size, were planted around the Steam Train area in the Park.

7 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 11 Imagine a Place Campaign In 2009, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy unveiled a bold redevelopment plan that is breathing new life into Assiniboine Park and Zoo. Through the Imagine a Place Campaign more than $135 million has been raised towards the $200 million goal. A total of $6.98 million was raised from the private sector in The redevelopment of Assiniboine Park and Assiniboine Park Zoo is being completed in three major phases. The first phase focused on renewal in the Heart of the Park. The second phase involved the ongoing revitalization of Assiniboine Park Zoo, highlighted by the opening of the Journey to Churchill exhibit in July For the third phase of redevelopment, APC has shifted focus to Canada s Diversity Gardens an iconic new horticultural attraction that will replace the existing Conservatory. On September 25, APC President & CEO Margaret Redmond unveiled the vision for Canada s Diversity Gardens to more than 400 people at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. Through a dynamic and engaging video, guests experienced an in-depth view of the next major initiative proposed by APC. Planned for the southeast corner of Assiniboine Park, Canada s Diversity Gardens is designed as a celebration of our country s cultural and bio-diversity. Throughout four cornerstone attractions The Leaf, the Indigenous Peoples Garden, the Cultural Mosaic Gardens, and The Grove, the vision for the project is an exploration of the human connection with plants and nature that will showcase our nation s extraordinary multicultural heritage. In addition to being a major tourist attraction, Canada s Diversity Gardens promises to be a living classroom where schools can participate in nation-leading environmental education programs yearround. The indoor classroom space, surrounding biomes and outdoor gardens provide a backdrop for programs related to sustainability, global conservation issues, and local impacts while influencing people to care for nature and each other. Concept rendering. Concept rendering. Concept rendering.

8 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report CAMPAIGN NEWS AND MAJOR FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENTS February 3 Power Corporation of Canada, an international management and holding company based in Montreal, announced a generous gift of $500,000 towards the Imagine a Place Campaign. The donation is recognized at the seal viewing window located in the Gateway to the Arctic building. September 14 Doug and Louise Leatherdale announced a donation of $2 million towards the Imagine a Place Campaign. The donation was made in support of Zoo redevelopment and was recognized at the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, with the renaming of the facility to the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. A key component of the Journey to Churchill exhibit, the Centre is a hub for environmental and wildlife education, research, and conservation and will ensure Manitoba remains a centre of global influence in polar bear conservation. IMAGINE A PLACE CAMPAIGN PROGRESS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 CONTRIBUTIONS TO DATE City of Winnipeg $ 50,000,000 MASTERPLAN ELEMENTS Garden Party On August 19, over 350 guests attended APC s annual Garden Party fundraising event in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden in Assiniboine Park. Attendees had the opportunity to bid on exclusive Assiniboine Park and Zoo experiences and to support APC s outreach programs in schools and seniors homes. The event raised over $90,000 that would not have been possible without the support of the volunteer committee led by co-chairs Ruth Asper and Lee Meagher and the generosity of our guests and sponsors including: Presenting Patron Susan Glass & Arni Thorsteinson, Shelter Canadian Properties Limited. Proceeds from the event supported Canada s Diversity Gardens. PROGRAMS & SERVICES Province of Manitoba $ 34,000,000 Government of Canada $ 1,000,000 Private Contributions (Publicly announced as of December 2015) $ 50,403,716 n Heart of the Park n Journey to Churchill n Canada s Diversity Gardens n Remaining Zoo Projects Total Raised to Date $ 135,403,716

9 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 15 CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY Foodology In summer 2015, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) renewed its partnership with Marymound to connect at-risk youth with growing, harvesting, and nature through a series of active, hands-on outdoor learning experiences. Based on the success of last year s Foodology camp, an expanded curriculum was created for Children participated in two weeks of programming where they were engaging, interacting, and benefiting both within Assiniboine Park s diverse gardens and amenities as well as at Marymound s teaching kitchen and Almost Urban s gardens. This program has worked to address two main issues. The first to give at-risk children access to nature at the Park in a safe setting, and the second to teach them about cultivating food from gardens and the importance of food choices and proper nutrition. 1,200 participants took part in outreach programs delivered by APC s Education Programming Team. LIFE Linking Intergenerational Friends of the Environment: Indigenous Culture Pilot Program Now in its seventh year, the LIFE program involves the Assiniboine Park Conservancy Education Programming team working closely with Winnipeg school divisions, child daycares, senior s day clubs and centres to conduct programs that connect children and youth with seniors. Each LIFE workshop series is based around a central theme, and in the fall of 2015, APC launched a pilot program intended to highlight aspects of the indigenous cultures present in Manitoba. Through this program, APC intended to foster meaningful relationships between indigenous youth and elders, promote traditional learning methods such as observational and experiential learning and promote opportunities for cultural expression and exploration. Participants were recruited from the Aboriginal Seniors Resource Centre and the Grade 5/6 class at Niji Mahkwa School. During the workshops, participants had the opportunity to interact, bond, and take part in a series of hands-on, themed workshops with the intention of fostering friendships and a sense of community that would extend beyond the scope of the project. Green Kids Partnership In October, Assiniboine Park Conservancy partnered with Green Kids Inc. to deliver free environmental and sustainability focused programs for students in Grades 3 to 5 in recognition of Sustainability Month. A River Runs Through It was a full day of exploring the importance of the Riparian Forest to river water quality and ecology through environmental education, nature walks, photography, and theatre. Nine schools participated in the programs with a total of 215 students. 1,717 students participated in education field trips subsidized by the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. 861 children age six to 12 attended summer Zoo Camp. 4,767 people participated in guided tours of Assiniboine Park and Zoo. In 2015, there were more than 17,000 Park and Zoo members. 693 people participated in leisure programs such as art, crafting, and botanical classes, family and tot programs and recreation programs.

10 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 17 In 2015, 35 partners contributed $536,013 for community programming in Assiniboine Park and Zoo through sponsorships, grants, and in-kind donations. Partners for Polar Bears In 2015, APC s Education Programming team facilitated the first ever Partners for Polar Bears workshop at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Developed for school groups in the middle years category, the program aims to teach youth about polar bear conservation and how they can make a difference through actions in their own lives. Through hands-on learning activities, a group of Grade 7 and 8 students from Shaughnessy Park School learned how to decrease their carbon footprint through the creation of their own polar bear conservation action kit. Members of APC s Education Programming team were selected to present the program at the North American Association for Environmental Education annual conference held in San Diego in October. Summer Entertainment Series The annual Red River Co-op Summer Entertainment Series at Assiniboine Park offered more than 20 concerts and events from June through August at the Lyric Theatre and Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. The entire series, attended by tens of thousands of Manitobans each year, is offered free of charge to the public and made possible solely through sponsorship support. Wildest Dreams On August 13, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy hosted the second annual Wildest Dreams event at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Wildest Dreams provides a once-in-a-lifetime Zoo experience for children facing health and/or socio-economic challenges. From the moment these children and their families walked through the gate, they were treated to an evening full of special events and activities beyond an everyday Zoo visit. In 2015, APC partnered with 10 community organizations to identify children in need who would benefit most from this very special event. In addition to making this memorable night possible for these children and their families, Wildest Dreams is also a fundraiser. The event raised over $35,000 with proceeds supporting initiatives that help make programs for children throughout the Park and Zoo physically and financially accessible to those in need. 12,167 participants attended curriculumlinked school and group programs at the Park and Zoo in CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH Field Research in Churchill, MB Dr. Stephen Petersen and C-Jae Breiter from the Conservation and Research department, Cassandra Debets from the University of Manitoba, and Daniel Gibson from the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC), conducted seal research in Churchill from May 28 to June 12, This is part of an ongoing research project that studies the behaviour and population dynamics of harbour seals and ringed seals in Hudson Bay. The findings from this research will help to understand how seal populations are responding to climate change as well as learning more about the natural history of Manitoba s marine mammals. APC also plans to use information about wild seal behaviours to better inform husbandry and enrichment for seals at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Sharing Research In October 2015, The Wildlife Society s 22nd Annual Conference was held in Winnipeg. This was only the second time the conference has been held in Canada, and it attracted over 1,500 participants from around the world. The Assiniboine Park Zoo had a very strong presence at the conference with four sold-out field trips to the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre to learn about how the Province of Manitoba and the Zoo work together to manage and conserve polar bears in the North. In addition, the Conservation and Research team co-organized two half-day sessions in partnership with Polar Bears International that brought together polar bear researchers and scientists interested in managing wildlife in the face of climate change. APC s Conservation and Research staff were heavily involved in the organization of the conference, as Dr. Stephen Petersen, Head of Conservation and Research, was the current president of the Manitoba Chapter and C-Jae Breiter, Research Conservation Specialist, steps into that role in March of In December 2015, the ArcticNet conference was held in Vancouver. This conference attracts Arctic researchers from across Canada and overseas who study everything from polar bears to sea ice to climate change to human health. This exciting conference was a chance to showcase some of the research being done through the Assiniboine Park Zoo on species including ringed seals, harbour seals, and polar bears. December 2016 will see this conference being held in Winnipeg, and we will again be showcasing our research efforts.

11 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 19 Student Research Projects Each year APC s Conservation and Research department hosts several students that conduct original research as part of their thesis projects. By having students do this type of work, APC is able to complete more research while maintaining current resources. More importantly, APC is able to give back to the community by helping to train the next generation of conservation scientists. In the spring of 2015, three such students completed and defended their undergraduate biology honours projects. Katie Florko (B.Sc. Honours, University of Winnipeg) examined the abundance of harbour seals in the Churchill Estuary and their haul out behaviour. This work is helping us understand how harbour seals may be taking advantage of a habitat with less ice and longer open water in the summer. Dana Kowalsky (B.Sc. Honours, University of Manitoba) collaborated with Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship to look at cougar populations in the province. She set up and monitored non-invasive hair traps to detect this elusive big cat. Dana then worked with Lucy Johnson in the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre laboratory using genetic methods to identify the origins of Manitoba cougars. Justine Hudson (B.Sc. Honours, University of Winnipeg) conducted research that looked at gene flow in ringed seals across the Canadian Arctic. Using a large-scale sea-scape genetics approach, Justine was able to determine that ringed seals are genetically well mixed across the entire region. She also identified areas in the Arctic that may need protection in order to maintain gene flow and healthy populations. Supporting Global Partners Assiniboine Park Conservancy has a vision to connect people to nature and to make a positive impact on the environment. The focus is not only local, but global as well in order to help animal species that are threatened in other parts of the world. This year with the help of staff and volunteers, Assiniboine Park Zoo hosted two events to raise money and awareness for endangered species where visitors to the Zoo took part in hands-on learning activities. Funds raised during these events supported Amur tiger conservation in the Russian Far East administered by the Tiger Conservation Campaign and red panda habitat conservation through the Red Panda Network. APC also makes an annual contribution towards the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) for African penguin conservation. Each year APC strives to increase our commitment to conservation at home and abroad funded by donations to the Conservation Fund. Polar Bear Rescue Team Assiniboine Park Zoo s Polar Bear Rescue Team is a group of animal care professionals consisting of veterinary staff, animal husbandry experts, and conservation scientists that are called to action by Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship when there are polar bear cubs in need of rescue. If Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship identifies a polar bear in need of help, the Polar Bear Rescue Team will help transfer them to the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (LIPBCC) at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The LIPBCC is a state-ofthe-art polar bear rescue and transition facility and is the hub of the Zoo s research and conservation initiatives. The only one of its kind in North America, the Centre is the first home within the Assiniboine Park Zoo for rescued polar bears. Here, polar bears are given the highest standard of care as they adjust and transition to their new home. After new polar bears get used to increasing exposure to people they eventually move over to the Zoo s international award-winning Journey to Churchill exhibit where they join other polar bears rescued from the north. Here, these bears act as ambassadors for their species, helping to educate visitors about life in the north and climate change issues. It is our hope that by seeing and learning from these bears, people will be inspired to make changes in their own lives that can have positive effects on climate change and wildlife conservation. STAFF AND VOLUNTEER RESOURCES Critical to the success of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, is the people. It is APC s staff and volunteers who create the extraordinary in the extraordinary visitor experience a critical part of the organization s mission. It s this experience that contributes to the Park and Zoo s reputation as a magnet for local, national and international visitors. In 2015, APC s staff complement was 453 which included over 271 seasonal and part-time staff. An ongoing key human resource initiative is training and development of all staff. The annual orientation for new and returning staff focuses on customer service and safety. Leadership development also continues to be a focus. In 2015, APC launched a customized leadership training program for staff from senior management to team leaders. Part of the Corporate Strategy, entails a long-term human resource plan that will be launched in late Volunteers work hand in hand with staff to preserve, protect and enrich this community-owned asset and play many important roles in the Park, including: Welcoming visitors at entrances to the Park and its attractions; Helping visitors find their way around the Park, providing information, answering questions and giving directions about the many attractions and facilities; and Assisting with special events and support to all business units in APC. During the peak of the 2015 summer season there were 300 active volunteers who gave their time and talents to support APC and enhance the visitor experience. Volunteers donated over 33,000 hours of service in Training and development of Park and Zoo volunteers is a significant part of the volunteer program so that APC exemplifies knowledgeable and customer service oriented volunteers. APC s volunteer program was nominated for the Volunteer of the Year Award by Winnipeg Tourism Awards of Distinction for demonstrating service excellence by going above and beyond in order to provide outstanding service that enhances a visitor s experience. In 2015, Park and Zoo volunteers were a big part of the success of the opening of McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre, Wildest Dreams event, and the Canadian Association of Zoos & Aquariums (CAZA) conference.

12 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 21 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Deloitte LLP 360 Main Street Suite 2300 Winnipeg MB R3C 3Z3 Canada Tel: (204) Fax: (204) REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR ON THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS To the Members of, Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. The accompanying summary financial statements, which comprise the summarized balance sheet as at December 31, 2015 and the summarized statement of operations and changes in fund balances for the year then ended, are derived from the audited financial statements of Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. (the Organization ) for the year ended December 31, We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the financial statements in our report dated April 21, The financial statements, and the summary financial statements, do not reflect the effects of events that occurred subsequent to the date of our report on those financial statements. The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Reading the summary financial statements, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements of the Organization. Management s Responsibility for the Summary Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation of a summary of the audited financial statements. Auditor s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary financial statements based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standard 810, Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. Opinion In our opinion, the summary financial statements derived from the audited financial statements of the Organization for the year ended December 31, 2015 are consistent, in all material respects, with the financial statements, in accordance with the Canadian Auditing Standard 810, Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. Chartered Accountants Winnipeg, Manitoba April 22, 2016

13 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 23 Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. Summarized Balance Sheet as at December 31 Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. Summarized Statement of Operations and Changes in Fund Balances for the year ended December ASSETS Cash and short term investments $ 9,517,084 $ 11,078,980 Current Accounts receivable 210, ,214 Government remittances receivable 7, ,659 Provincial grants & tax credits receivable 328, ,099 Inventory 284, ,776 Prepaid Expenses 327, ,550 10,676,540 12,897,278 Long term Capital assets (Note 1) 103,829, ,415,851 Art collections 13,776,544 13,702,402 Employee benefits receivable 417, ,994 $ 128,699,604 $ 134,453,525 LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 2,410,347 $ 6,899,404 Current Deferred contributions - operating 451, ,322 Notes payable 9,610,000 20,900,000 Current portion of long-term debt 382, ,000 12,853,364 28,455,726 Long term Deferred contributions - operating 305, ,421 Deferred contributions - capital 100,695,072 91,365,630 Long-term debt 868,244 1,250,244 Accrued employee benefits 186, , ,908, ,724,848 NET ASSETS Restricted 13,776,544 13,702,402 Unrestricted 14,935 (973,725) 13,791,479 12,728,677 $ 128,699,604 $ 134,453, REVENUE City of Winnipeg $ 11,376,000 $ 12,207,000 Other operating grants 230, ,776 Gifts and sponsorships 809, ,337 Amortization of deferred contributions 7,648,476 5,280,426 Park revenues 12,076,478 10,115,966 Total Revenue 32,140,980 28,269,505 Direct costs of park revenues 6,374,167 6,234,667 25,766,813 22,034,838 EXPENSE Administration $ 1,505,925 $ 1,661,894 Interest 405, ,611 Amortization of capital assets 6,962,750 5,302,901 Insurance 208, ,926 Operations 2,548,040 2,388,558 Utilities 964,150 1,093,434 Wages, benefits and contract services 12,177,995 11,944,474 Total Expense 24,772,661 22,901,798 Excess (deficiency) Of Revenue Over Expense (Note 2) 994,152 (866,960) Transfer to restricted fund (5,492) - Excess (deficiency) Of Revenue Over Expense 988,660 (866,960) Unrestricted Fund Balance, Beginning of Year (973,725) (106,765) Unrestricted Fund Balance, End of Year $ 14,935 $ (973,725) Note 2 In 2014, the City of Winnipeg and the Conservancy agreed to the deferral of $1 million of the operating grant that the Conservancy was entitled under the Lease and Funding Agreement between the two parties. As a result, in 2014 the Conservancy budgeted for and incurred an operating deficit of approximately $867,000. The city provided an additional $1 million operating grant to the Conservancy in 2015 that eliminated the accumulated deficit of $974, REVENUE BY SOURCE 2015 EXPENSE BY CATEGORY Note 1 The Province of Manitoba has a $30 million investment in the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre ( LIPBCC ) and Polar Bear Facilities, which include the Gateway to the Arctic Building, the Animal Holding and Filtration System Building and the Polar Plunge. As a result, the Province s $30 million investment in these capital assets do not appear on the Conservancy s balance sheet. n City of Winnipeg 35% n Other operating grants 1% n Gifts and sponsorships 2% n Amortization of deferred contributions 24% n Park revenues 38% n Wages, benefits and contract services 39% n Direct costs of park revenues 21% n Administration 5% n Interest 1% n Amortization of capital assets 22% n Insurance 1% n Operations 8% n Utilities 3%

14 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 25 Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. Deferred contributions - Capital for the year ended December Contributions received City of Winnipeg $ 5,282,000 $ 13,333,000 Province of Manitoba - 3,105,160 Foundations and Charities 6,045,467 2,594,999 Individuals 1,746,426 1,998,605 Corporations 3,904,025 3,703,417 Total Contributions 16,977,918 24,735,181 Amortization of deferred contributions (7,648,476) (5,280,426) Deferred Contributions - Capital, Beginning of Year 91,365,630 71,910,875 Deferred Contributions - Capital, End of Year $ 100,695,072 $ 91,365, CONTRIBUTIONS CAPITAL n City of Winnipeg 31% n Foundations and Charities 36% n Individuals 10% n Corporations 23%

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