The Shoalhaven Zoo -Promotional Video

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Future Prediction of the Shoalhaven Zoo

When Nick bought the park in 2003, he had great plans for it, wanting to incorporate more exotic species in with his native collection. As written earlier, over the past few years, many more animals have been introduced to the park, including a pair of water buffalos, a cassowary, a wedge tail eagle, Perenties, a scrub python and most recently, two albino echidnas – possibly the only two in captivity.

Although the public are very into the collection of wildlife at the zoo, it is the big ticket items that bring in the customers. The Elephants. The Zebras. The Lions. For the past five years, Nick has been working on bringing the big cats to the Shoalhaven; where they can live out their lives at the zoo.

In the not so far future, Nick would love for the zoo to expand further by introducing more exotic animals to accompany and compliment the native creatures. He would obviously like to start with lions, which he has already sourced a pair of breeding lions from a zoo in Cairns, but there is still a large amount of paperwork and whatnot to be done before anything can be finalised.

To think, only forty one years ago, what is now known as an ideal tourist attraction and family day out was once empty land. It wasn’t inhabited by over twenty eight exhibits and over 250 animals. The Shoalhaven Zoo is clearly a valuable asset to the South Coast.

Zoo Attendance

Profile - Nicholas Schilko

Nick Schilko is the owner of the Shoalhaven Zoo and everyday he gains happiness and fulfilment working at his dream job. He lives on site with his wife, three daughters and three pugs. Every morning at 8am he meets with the staff to brief on the jobs for the day. He tends to the park with love and care, as animals and the bush are his greatest passion.

From the age of 6 Nick always knew he wanted to own a zoo, and with a boundless amount of determination, he achieved this dream, although this came much later in his life. At 15 he began working Featherdale Wildlife Park and left school the following year. He continued working with animals until 18, and then pursued a career as a body builder. He maintained this and a job as security for nightclubs to attain the money he needed to own his own zoo.

Alas, Nick just couldn’t keep away from his furry, scaly and feathery friends. He retired as a body builder at 27 years of age, and proceeded to work at the Australian Reptile Park as the Head Bird and Mammal Keeper.

A little patience and Nick was rewarded with the opportunity to purchase the Nowra Wildlife Park, and he seized it. Now the Park has been open for a total of 41 years and Nick has been grateful for every minute of his time there, since he purchased it in 2003.

Nick benefits from the park every day that he works there, just as every visitor that comes through the doors. He intends to help the park evolve with a more exotic collection of species by introducing big cats, such as lions and tigers. His plans for the park’s future are being awaited by all the workers and regular visitors.

Present State of the Shoalhaven Zoo

The Shoalhaven Zoo is situated just 2.5 hours from Sydney, running along the sparkling, pristine Shoalhaven River. Formally known as The Nowra Riverside Animal Park, the Zoo is the largest native animal park on the South Coast, being home to over 100 species of native mammals, birds and reptiles.

After spending the day exploring the 16 acres of bushland, you can relax in the café and have a nice cold drink, or sit with your family in the barbeque area, making lunch amongst peacocks.  Whatever you choose, you will be delighted with the abundance of creatures and wildlife surrounding you.

For the past 40 years, the park has been one of the most enjoyable places for locals and tourists to visit in the Shoalhaven. The park is owned by Nicholas and Corrine Schilko, who work alongside the mixture of paid and volunteer keepers to make the experience enjoyable for anyone visiting the zoo.

The animals aren’t the only attraction at the zoo, with items such as the enormous slippery dip, bushwalks and the scenic view bringing in visitors from near and afar. On your way out of the park, you can also commemorate your trip by purchasing something special from the gift shop located next to the café.

 Since its founding in 1971, the park has rapidly expanded, introducing many exotic species; a far cry from the typical Australian wombats and kangaroos. In the past few years alone, Nick has added Leopard Tortoises, Perenties, Black Capped Capuchin Monkeys and rare Albino Echidnas to his collection of wildlife around the zoo.

During the week, the zoo has the opportunity for disabled members of the public to contribute to the park, helping them with personal goals and achievements they may have. The zoo also has a work experience programs, where students over 15 can come and work for a week, developing skills and their relationships with animals and people. If you are over 15, you can also opt to volunteer for one day every week. As a volunteer, you will get all the opportunities paid staff do and more. You can contribute to the park and leave your fingerprint on its future, accessing skills and experiences every step of the way.

Every day is filled with family fun down at the zoo, with several shows each day and a total of six shows on Saturday and Sunday. Starting with a Koala show at 11am, ending with a Dingo show at 3pm, your day will be informative and exciting; something you will carry with you for a long time.

Even if you are travelling and just passing through, you can stay the night at the camping ground adjacent to the park, for a small fee. You are set right along the banks of the Shoalhaven River and are provided with electricity and toilets – everything you could need for a relaxing weekend away. The Shoalhaven River is the perfect backdrop for any important occasion; especially a wedding. You can also have your wedding at the zoo, saying your vows next to a cassowary and wedge tail eagle.

The Shoalhaven Zoo is a piece of paradise and one of the most important assets in the Shoalhaven. It is a place where, for 41 years now, families have been able to spend countless occasions together.

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.