Perth Zoo is administered by the Zoological Parks Authority which is constituted under the authority of the Zoological Parks Authority Act 2001 which came into operation on 22 May 2002. It reports to the Western Australian State Government through the Minister for Environment.
As of 1 July 2017 Perth Zoo became part of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
This department brings together the functions and staff of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Rottnest Island Authority and the Zoological Parks Authority.
It is led by Director General Stuart Smith and has a strong emphasis on improving Western Australia’s natural attractions as key tourism assets, and creating opportunities for private sector investment and partnerships while conserving environmental values. Another benefit is that it consolidates conservation science under one department to build and share knowledge of the State’s biodiversity.
The Minister
The Minister responsible for the Zoological Parks Authority and the Zoological Parks Authority Act 2001 is the
Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC, Minister for the Environment.
The Zoological Parks Authority
The Zoological Parks Authority (‘the Authority’) is a body corporate with perpetual succession. The functions of the Authority, outlined in Section 9 of the Act, include controlling and managing Perth Zoo – in which zoological specimens are kept, displayed and cultivated/bred, for conservation, research, scientific, educational, cultural or recreational purposes. Other specific functions include:
- conducting (and collaborating in) breeding programs for the preservation of threatened animal species;
- the conservation and management of non-threatened species;
- conducting public education and awareness programs;
- providing and promoting recreational services and facilities at Perth Zoo; and
- conserving and enhancing the gardens, amenities and natural environment of Perth Zoo.
The Zoo Act and Regulations
In 2002, the new Zoological Parks Authority Act 2001 (the ‘Act’) came into effect and with it were actioned new Zoological Parks Authority Regulations (the ‘Regulations’). These Regulations provide clear guidelines to what behaviour, actions and responsibilities are acceptable within Perth Zoo.
Copies of the Zoological Parks Authority Act 2001 and the companion Zoological Parks Authority Regulations 2002 are available for viewing or purchase from the State Law Publisher. Any enquiries regarding the Act or Regulations can be made to Perth Zoo on 08 9474 0444.
Freedom of Information
A copy of Perth Zoo’s Freedom of Information Statement is available here:
Perth Zoo Freedom of Information Statement (PDF)
Perth Zoo’s Freedom of Information Application form is available here:
Perth Zoo Freedom of Information Application Form (PDF)
Perth Zoo Corporate Executive Team
David van Ooran, Executive Director
David was appointed as the Executive Director of Perth Zoo in February 2024. He oversees all operations to ensure the Zoo provides excellent animal welfare, an exceptional and educational visitor experience and continues to have a global wildlife conservation impact. He brings a wealth of experience, having held leadership roles in the public and not-for-profit sectors, including at RSPCA WA, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Tourism WA. He previously worked at Perth Zoo from 1998–2001 in visitor experience, marketing and events, which helped develop his passion for a career in conservation and animal welfare.
Danielle Henry, Director Commercial and Community Engagement
Danielle leads the Zoo’s Commercial and Community Engagement Directorate, driving key initiatives across events, media, marketing, partnerships, memberships, retail, visitor services and learning portfolios. She has more than 20 years of experience spanning zoos, natural attractions, and conservation organisations across State and Federal governments and international agencies. Danielle specialises in stakeholder relations, communications and community engagement, with a focus on advancing conservation through strategic partnerships and public campaigns. She firmly believes that conservation starts with people and thrives on delivering impactful campaigns that inspire action and strengthen connections between people and nature.
DrHarriet Mills, Science Program Leader
Harriet is a terrestrial ecologist with extensive experience in zoological research, fauna management and animal ethics. Her research interests include reproductive biology, translocation genetics, urban mammal ecology and invasive species management. Prior to joining Perth Zoo, Dr Mills was a university academic for over 20 years, teaching conservation biology and zoology at the University of Western Australia and Edith Cowan University. She has supervised more than 50 postgraduate projects and coordinated an award-winning Work Integrated Learning program.
Kathryn Caldwell, Director Major Development
Kathryn leads the delivery of major infrastructure projects at Perth Zoo, including the Perth Zoo Master Plan 2040. She has more than 12 years of experience in planning, policy and delivery of State Government infrastructure projects and has previously held senior roles at the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and the Department of Culture and the Arts. Prior to her career in government, Kathryn worked as an architect for nearly seven years after completing a Bachelor of Architecture.
John Lemon, Acting Director Life Sciences
John has more than 30 years of experience in wildlife conservation and zoo management. He began his career as a zoo keeper in 1989 at Western Plains Zoo specialising as species coordinator for both Cheetah and African Painted Dogs. He joined Perth Zoo in 2003 and now oversees the care of more than 1,300 animals in his role as Director of Life Sciences. John holds a Master’s in Captive Vertebrate Management from Charles Sturt University and has led conservation work in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa as the chair of the Painted Dog Conservation Inc. He is one of Australia’s most highly regarded, award-winning conservationists and has been recognised internationally for his contribution to saving African Painted Dogs.
Nik Mittmann, Head of Development
Nik commenced as the Head of Development in 2025, bringing over a decade of expertise in business development and fundraising. He leads a proactive and collaborative team dedicated to raising funds for capital projects, programs and initiatives that benefit communities while staying aligned with corporate values. With a strong track record in building meaningful partnerships, Nik excels at connecting the right audiences with meaningful value propositions.
Perth Zoo Board
The Zoological Parks Authority Act 2001 states that the Authority’s Board of Management (the ‘Board’) is the governing body of the Authority and shall comprise eight members appointed by the Minister. Members may be appointed for any term not exceeding four years and are eligible for reappointment.
The Board meets regularly and carries out its responsibilities in line with an approved Code of Conduct for Government Boards and Committees.
The current membership of the Board can been viewed here.
Annual Budget
2025-26 annual estimates of the Zoological Parks Authority
The Zoological Parks Authority (ZPA) amalgamated with other Government agencies to form the new Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions effective from 1 July 2017 but continues as a separate legal entity. As the ZPA is not identifiable within a separate Division of the Consolidated Account Expenditure Estimates of the State Budget, the ZPA’s 2025-26 budget estimates have been prepared and approved in accordance with Section 40 of the Financial Management Act 2006.
As per Treasurer's Instruction 9 (3.2) Annual Estimates, the annual estimates for the ZPA are published on the ZPA website following their approval by the Minister and the tabling of the State Budget in Parliament. Actual results will be reported against these estimates in the ZPA 2025-26 Annual Report.
The 2025-26 State Budget for Western Australia was tabled in Parliament on 19 June 2025. The attached provides details of the ZPA annual estimates that form part of the 2025-26 annual estimates of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at Part 10, Division 43 of the 2025-26 State Budget papers.
The ZPA annual estimates can be viewed here.
Previous Annual Budget Estimates
2024-2025 | 2023-2024 | 2022-2023 | 2021-2022 | 2020-2021
Perth Zoo Statement of Business Ethics
The Statement of Business Ethics provides guidance for all sectors of the community conducting business with the Zoological Parks Authority.
Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP)
The Zoological Parks Authority is calling for feedback as part of the review to its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2021-2025, which has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
To view and provide feedback, please visit the Disability Access and Inclusion page on the DBCA website here: https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/disability-access-and-inclusion
Public Interest Disclosures
The Zoological Parks Authority (Perth Zoo) strongly supports disclosures by employees, contractors and members of the public regarding corrupt or improper conduct.
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (the Act) promotes accountability within government agencies by facilitating the disclosure of public interest information involving misconduct, offences, misuse of public resources or risks to public health or safety. The Act also serves as a means to protect those who make disclosures to appropriate authorities, and those who are the subject of disclosures.
Perth Zoo recognises the value and importance of reporting issues to identify and address potential wrongdoing. Perth Zoo will respond to disclosures thoroughly and impartially, and treat all people involved in the process fairly, including those who may be the subject of a disclosure.
Perth Zoo’s PID Procedure Guidelines provide further information on how the Zoo deals with and processes public interest disclosures. A copy of this guide can be obtained upon request.
We strongly encourage anyone thinking about making a public interest disclosure to seek advice from one of the Public Interest Disclosure (PID) Officers listed below, before making a disclosure. Communications with the PID Officers can be confidential.
PID Officers
Those wishing to make a disclosure of public interest information under the Act are encouraged to do so in writing. The Public Interest Disclosure Lodgement Form is available to assist you with this. A copy of the form is available by clicking on the link below.
PID Lodgement Form
Forms can be emailed to one of the PID Officers listed above.
Further information and advice on making a public interest disclosure can be found on the Public Sector Commission website at https://publicsector.wa.gov.au/public-administration/official-conduct-and-integrity/public-interest-disclosures
*DBCA – Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, of which Perth Zoo is a part of.