At Perth Zoo we recognise, appreciate and respect the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in enriching Australia’s culture, through their rich and unique culture and traditions.
We recognise that Australia’s Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander peoples were the first care takers of our native fauna and their habitats, and that there is a great deal of knowledge we can learn from their cultures traditions and understandings of our environments.
At Perth Zoo we want to strengthen existing and establish new relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that will help us to discover new ways of working together that benefit our community and our nation’s natural heritage.
Our vision for reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Western Australians includes a better future for our state and our nation as a whole. A future, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are able to fulfill their cultural, personal and professional needs and aspirations, participate fully and share equally in the benefits of our state and our nation.
Perth Zoo recognises that by valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, heritage, cultures and knowledge, we facilitate reconciliation within our organisation, which will extend to our visitors and the Perth and other communities that we are a part of.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a key element of Perth Zoo’s approach and commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The aims of our Reconciliation Action Plan are:
- to raise awareness amongst our staff and visitors of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture, heritage, knowledge and achievements as they relate to our business
- to employ and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are keen to learn and understand the Zoo’s role in conservation.
Download Perth Zoo’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2011-2013 (pdf).
