Job cuts planned for Adelaide Zoo?

In a bid to counter its massive debts Adelaide Zoo is considering cutting staff numbers and reviewing its animal collections.

The Zoo's new five-year business plan plans for full-time equivalent jobs to be reduced from 202 to 184 this year, in a move that is expected to save $1 million.

Zoos SA President Kevin McGuinness told the ABC that the Zoo's plans had been carefully considered plan.

McGuinness explained "we're certainly not planning any wholesale redundancies or retrenchments.

"It's more about carefully planned and sort of balanced approach to a reduction in full-time equivalents."

A working group will be set up to identify inefficiencies, reduce utility costs and explore investment opportunities.

Land will be sold at Monarto near Murray Bridge to reduce debt, Warrawong Sanctuary in the Adelaide hills will face a review and the Zoo's conservation programs will be scrutinised. Those found not to be "core" activities face the axe.

The numbers of animals being kept will be assessed to ensure the Zoo does not hold redundant or unjustified stock.

McGuinness added "it's not about flagging a reduction, it's about a strategic review to ensure we have a collection that's relevant for the next five to 10 years."

Adelaide Zoo received a rescue package last year after struggling with day-to-day expenses and repayments on its $25 million debt.

The funding included an easing of its loan by Westpac to $7.5 million and an increase in its annual government grant.

South Australian Treasurer Jack Snelling says the Zoo will have to provide monthly financial reports, but no Government observer will be appointed to its board.

Treasurer Snelling explained "the Government reserves the right that in some time in the future, should we decide that there is some value from having an observer on the board, then we have the power to do that."

The business plan considers zoo admission fees but concludes there is limited scope to increase the prices of any zoo products due to general economic conditions.

Meanwhile Elaine Bensted, the current Chief Executive of TAFESA, has been named the Zoo's new Chief Executive.

Bensted, who will replace current postholder Chris Westas he takes up the position of Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, told local media "I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead this iconic SA organisation as it looks to further develop and grow.

"It is critical that we connect with the local community and have a business model in place that builds on the organisation's conservation and education achievements to date. These will be key areas of focus."

22nd April 2012 - ADELAIDE ZOO CHIEF EXECUTIVE RESIGNS

9th September 2011 - ADELAIDE ZOO $25 MILLION IN DEBT AND FACING ASSET REPOSSESSION