From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Wildlife Haven

Shoalhaven Zoo, located on the stunning banks of the Shoalhaven River in Nowra, NSW, has grown from a small riverside animal park into one of the South Coast’s most loved wildlife attractions. Our story is one of passion, perseverance, and deep respect for animals and nature.

1971: The Beginning

Originally opened as Nowra Riverside Animal Park, the zoo began with a handful of native species and a simple mission- to connect people with wildlife.

In the early 1980s, the park was taken over by John and Dawn Stone, who renamed it the Nowra Wildlife Park. They worked tirelessly to grow the park and care for its animals, laying the foundation for the zoo we know today.

As a tribute to their dedication, two of our crocodiles are affectionately named John and Dawn.

2003: A New Vision

In 2003, Nicholas Schilko and family took ownership of the park and brought a fresh vision to life. With years of experience in animal care and a childhood dream to run a zoo, Nick rebranded the park as Shoalhaven Zoo.

What followed was a complete transformation: exotic species, new enclosures, expanded habitats, a growing family of animals, and more hands-on experiences for visitors.

Today: Wildlife, Family, and Community

Shoalhaven Zoo is now home to over 100 species of native and exotic animals, from lions and monkeys to wombats, meerkats, crocodiles, and other reptiles. Set across 16 acres of natural bushland, it offers a unique and immersive experience just minutes from the heart of Nowra.

We’re more than just a zoo; we’re a place for education, conservation, and creating unforgettable memories.

Meet Our Team

At Shoalhaven Zoo, our team is the heart of everything we do. Each staff member brings unique expertise, energy, and dedication to caring for our animals and creating memorable experiences for our visitors. Here are just a few of the friendly faces you'll meet at the zoo:

  • Steph

    Wildlife Curator

    With over 14 years of experience in animal care, Steph brings a wealth of knowledge to the Shoalhaven Zoo team. She specialises in working with carnivores, free-flying birds, and animal training. Steph is especially passionate about building strong bonds through enrichment and behavioural training.

    Her favourite animal? That would be Ariel, our beautiful male lion.

  • Annabel

    Wildlife Keeper

    Annabel has a deep passion for all wildlife, but she holds a special place in her heart for koalas and the care of young marsupials. Whether she’s presenting one of our popular wildlife shows or leading hands-on animal encounters, Annabel’s enthusiasm and knowledge shine through.

    Her love for educating the public makes her a favourite with both visitors and animals alike.

  • Jaxon

    Trainee Zookeeper

    Jaxon began his journey with us through the volunteer program, where his passion and dedication quickly stood out. Now a trainee keeper, he’s eager to learn every aspect of animal care. Jaxon has a special love for maned wolves, drawn to their unique personalities and striking appearance. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he’s always ready to lend a hand (or ask a great question!) as he continues growing in his dream career.

  • Amy

    Wildlife Keeper

    Amy runs our beloved Farmyard and ensures all its residents receive the highest level of care. She holds a double degree in Wildlife Science and is passionate about animal welfare, enrichment, and creating meaningful human-animal interactions. Amy’s dedication ensures that every visitor, big or small, gets a warm welcome and a memorable hands-on experience in the Farmyard.

  • Paige

    Wildlife Keeper

    Paige started at Shoalhaven Zoo as a teenager and has now been part of our team for six years. Her passion for reptiles is undeniable, and she’s trained to handle some of our zoo’s most fascinating creatures, including venomous snakes like the collett's snake. Paige’s favourite animal is Bubba, our playful and charismatic alligator, who holds a special place in her heart.

    Whether it's educating visitors about the wonders of reptiles or caring for our impressive collection, Paige brings expertise and enthusiasm to every encounter.

  • Lucy

    Wildlife Keeper

    Lucy is a keeper with a big passion for our smallest primates! She’s especially fond of the marmosets and knows each one’s quirks and personalities like the back of her hand. When she’s not caring for our monkey troop, you’ll find her front and centre running keeper talks and animal encounters, where her confidence and enthusiasm shine. Lucy brings a great energy to every interaction and takes pride in sharing her knowledge with visitors of all ages.

  • Jerusha

    Wildlife Keeper

    Jerusha is a dedicated keeper with a strong passion for animal training, always striving to build trust-based relationships with the animals in her care. Her favourites are the intelligent capuchins and the relaxed, charismatic koalas; two very different species she loves working with. Outside of training sessions, Jerusha is also a fantastic photographer, with a talent for capturing stunning moments that highlight the personalities of our animals. Whether she’s behind the camera or in the habitat, her attention to detail and creativity always shine through.

  • Brooke

    Wildlife Keeper

    Brooke brings boundless energy and positivity to the zoo, always ready with a smile that brightens both staff and guests’ days. She’s a self-proclaimed bird nerd who spends her spare time birdwatching and sharing her love of feathered friends with anyone who will listen. Brooke’s favourite animal at the zoo is Cookie the laughing kookaburra, whose cheeky personality matches her own. Whether she’s chatting with visitors or caring for the animals, Brooke’s bubbly nature makes every moment more enjoyable.