SHOALHAVEN Zoo owner Nick Schilko has told of getting a report of the crocodile attack on the radio and hearing terrifying screams from spectators on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Schilko rushed to the enclosure as quick as he could after the call.
“The crowds were fearful and the immediate thing I was aware of was the screaming. The terror in people’s screams was evident,” he said.
“I had no idea what I was going to encounter, I just got there as quick as I could to deal with it as it unfolded.
“I didn’t even get into the exhibit before Trent was out of the water and escaped.”
Mr Schilko said apart from being a bit coy the following day it was business as usual for John the crocodile.
“There is no need to change anything,” he said.
Mr Schilko himself has also had a run in with Big John.
“I did a similar thing many years ago and you work out quickly, it’s not what you do,” he said.
“And I haven’t done it since.
“I’ve got back in the enclosure and done the show, no probs.”