When you think of animals associated with Kentucky, the first thing that probably pops into your head is horses, and not something like, let’s say, a kangaroo. However, you can get up close and personal with kangaroos and other Australian animals like dingoes, kookaburras, and emus in Horse Cave, KY at the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo.
Kentucky Down Under provides several hands-on experiences. Lounge with the kangaroos, feed an emu, and let a lorikeet perch on your head.
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They have more than just Aussie animals.
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While Australian animals are what the zoo is best known for, it has other animals from all over the world, including lemurs, bison, alligators, snakes, Patagonian cavies, serval cats, and several different types of exotic birds and birds of prey.
Get up close with farm animals.
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They also have a wide variety of domesticated animals, some of which you get to pet or have hands-on experiences with. Visit their woolshed where you might get to milk a cow or feed lambs. Watch a demonstration of their incredibly intelligent border collies herd a flock of sheep. Other animals you might get a chance to interact with include fainting goats, horses, donkeys, and llamas.
Once you've seen all the animals, check out some of their other activities.
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Besides animals, Kentucky Down Under has several other attractions. Their newest attraction is an air rifle shooting range. You can also go mining for gemstones, or stop for a snack at their Outback Cafe.
Explore the underground.
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However, perhaps the most popular alternative attraction at Kentucky Down under is the Mammoth Onyx Cave. You're in the heart of Kentucky cave country, so venture down into this impressive geological formation. Tours are scheduled throughout the day and last about 30 minutes. Even if you visit in the middle of summer, it might be a good idea to bring a light jacket down into the cave, as it remains a constant 60 degrees.
A cave tour is included when you purchase a ticket to Kentucky Down Under, so you get to see two very different attractions for one price. It is located at L&N Turnpike Road, Horse Cave, KY 42749. For more information, visit their website.
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