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.