Featherdale Wildlife Park marks new era with Mogo Zoo purchase
Western Sydney’s Featherdale Wildlife Park has purchased the Far South Coast zoo, home to Australia’s most extensive private collection of exotic animals.
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Featherdale Wildlife Park has embarked on a new era after buying Mogo Zoo on the Far South Coast.
The zoo, which will mark its 30th anniversary on Boxing Day, has the most extensive private collection of exotic animals in Australia.
It will join Doonside’s Featherdale, which has Australia’s most extensive collective of native animals.
Mogo Zoo founder Sally Padey took on sole responsibility of the zoo 12 years ago, but without a successor in place, needed to look elsewhere to continue the legacy.
Ms Padey says the seed was planted during a visit from Chad Staples, director of life sciences at Featherdale.
“These animals are my family, so a transfer of ownership had to be with an organisation that would also see them as family, and Featherdale Wildlife Park was a clear choice,” she said.
“Chad is as passionate about animal welfare as I am so I know these animals will continue to thrive under his leadership.
“He also shares my commitment to safeguarding the future of endangered species, so I have the utmost confidence in his ability to further develop our important breeding programs that are part of a global effort to manage these animal populations under threat.”
Mr Staples has spent three nights a week for the past 15 months at Ms Padey’s home on the zoo grounds, hashing out agreeable sale terms over a glass of wine and the din of animal calls.
Not only will he take control of the 200 animals on the site, Mr Staples will also live in Ms Padey’s house.
“It’s a real honour to steward the future of Mogo Zoo’s diverse collection of animals in addition to Featherdale,” Mr Staples said.
“Sally will always be available to talk about the history of the zoo.
“She’s poured her heart and soul into this place and I feel a huge burden of responsibility to make sure her legacy lives on.”
Featherdale general manager Tony Chiefari is excited for the opportunities that lie ahead
“The animal collection at Mogo Zoo perfectly complements our Featherdale collection,” Mr Chiefari said.
“We welcome the opportunity to drive visitation and economic growth to the Eurobodalla Shire further as we have done in Blacktown by capitalising on Mogo Zoo’s proximity to growth areas along the NSW South Coast and the ACT.”
Featherdale Wildlife Park will offer annual passes granting access to both zoos.
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