What Animal Experiences Does Shoalhaven Zoo Offer?

Updated

Shoalhaven Zoo offers keeper-guided interactive animal encounters with photo opportunities, priced from as low as $100 (prices vary by encounter). It also runs an "Animal Experience Party" for kids' birthdays from $500. Both are separate from general admission, and you should confirm availability and current pricing before booking, since the site lists annual pass pricing as temporarily unavailable.

Interactive Animal Encounters

The core experience is a hands-on session with a range of animals, led by the zoo's keepers. According to the zoo, encounters are designed to be exhilarating and educational, with staff on hand to share insights about the animals and to help set up photo opportunities.

  • Format: Interactive sessions under expert keeper guidance
  • Included: Photo opportunities and commentary from keepers
  • Price: Starting from as low as $100, with prices varying by encounter
  • Booking: Arrange in advance through the zoo; don't assume walk-up availability

The $100 figure is a starting point, not a flat rate — treat it as a floor and check the specific encounter you want.

Kids' Animal Experience Parties

For a birthday with a difference, the zoo's "Animal Experience Party" lets children get hands-on with a range of animals. There are several party plans at different budgets, and you can either bring your own food for a riverside BBQ or have the zoo handle catering.

  • Price: From $500
  • Flexibility: Multiple plans; BYO food option or full catering
  • Setting: Riverside BBQ area available

Residents You Might Meet

The encounters connect you with the zoo's resident animals, three of which the zoo highlights:

Animal Species What to know
Dinkum Viral social media star Videos have drawn over 3 million views and 150,000+ likes, shares and comments
John (Johny) Saltwater crocodile At the zoo for over 40 years; a large, imposing presence
Mac Blue and gold macaw A talkative bird that enjoys an audience and mimics words

Practical Points Before You Book

  • Encounters and parties are add-ons. They sit alongside general entry and annual passes, not instead of them.
  • Pricing is variable. The zoo states encounter prices "vary," so confirm the exact cost for your chosen experience.
  • Annual pass pricing is currently listed as temporarily unavailable on the site — check back or contact the zoo if you're considering a pass, which otherwise includes unlimited access for a year plus 10% off café and souvenir purchases.
  • Book ahead. Interactive encounters depend on keeper schedules, so reserve rather than relying on same-day spots.

For current details and to book, use the zoo's "Buy Now" ticket link or contact the zoo directly about specific encounters and party plans.