Past Profile of the Shoalhaven Zoo

Founded in 1971, the Nowra Riverside Animal Park has undergone a lot of changes over the years. Ten or so years after its founding, the park was bought by Mr John and Patricia Stone, who continued running the park until 2003, when it was purchased by Nicholas Schilko.

The park was created to bring entertainment and joy to the locals of the Shoalhaven and visitors passing through. Anyone who was willing to spend their day being surrounded by an abundance of native animals and the inviting flora was able to, thanks to the creation of the Nowra Riverside Animal Park.

Since then, the park has expanded to accommodate a wider variety of exotic and native fauna; a far cry from the original Koalas, Dingos and Wombats. Living a sheltered life here beside the Shoalhaven River, the animals cooperate and interact with workers, volunteers and the public.

In 2003, Nicholas Schilko bought the park, soon incorporating Saltwater crocodiles, camels and Marmoset monkeys into his native collection.  All of the important people that could be listed would have to be the keepers, who give their endless time into making the zoo be the best it can be. Most of the keepers that work at the zoo are volunteers, people who dedicate their working lives to insuring the health and safety of the wildlife.

Some facts you might not know:

·         There are approximately 28 exhibits at the zoo.

·         Over 250 animals reside in the zoo.

·         Upon asking, the public love the goats.

·         Over 80% of the visitors are locals.

·         The park is the biggest native animal park on the South Coast.

·         The zoo’s Albino collection includes an albino dingo, two albino wallaroo’s and two albino echidnas; possibly the only two in captivity.