Kangaroo Conservation Center
The secret is out of the pouch. More than 300 kangaroos – and other animal friends from Down Under – are living at the 87-acre Kangaroo Conservation Center in northwest Dawson County. It’s the perfect day trip in Northeast Georgia. There are different tour options on different days of the week. Children aged 5 and under are not allowed at the Kangaroo Conservation Center because of insurance regulations.
“The Kangaroo Conservation Center is dedicated to the preservation of kangaroo species thru captive breeding and public education,” says Jeremy Maneyapanda, (cq) facility supervisor with the Kangaroo Conservation Center. “It’s an amazing place to visit to see all kinds of unusual wildlife.”
There are more than 60 species of kangaroos in the world; about a dozen and a half are either endangered or threatened. “Our breeding program is very structured with the objective of continuing these species,” Maneyapanda says. “We have nine species here; one of them is endangered and one is threatened, so it’s incumbent upon us to work to preserve these important animals.”
Kangaroos are marsupials, which means that their young – call Joeys – are born at a very immature stage of one month following conception, and then they mature outside the womb in the mother kangaroo’s pouch. They spend six to 11 months in the pouch, venturing out as they mature. The mothers are called Does; the fathers are called Boomers.
“Kangaroos are very attracted to people,” Maneyapanda says. “We don’t really have a petting area, but we leave it up to the kangaroos if they want to approach visitors, which they sometimes do. They’re very shy, passive and curious.”
The center is located just a few miles from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Another mission of the center is ecology and environmental stewardship.
“The conservation of the ecosystems here enlightens our visitors,” he says. “Often people will leave here with a greater appreciation of nature in general because of the setting.”
Visitors can enjoy a variety of adventures, including the newest KangaRanger Ride & Wander, a riding and walking excursion that’s offered most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The admission for the KangaRanger Ride & Wander is $26 for adults, $25 for seniors, aged 65 and up; children ages 5 to 17 are $20.
“Our guests have said that they really want a time to have a reserved space in a truck with a narrated tour for the Outback,” says Kate Pika, gift shop and tour sales manager. “Guest input is very important in our programming and we are responsive to their suggestions.”
Tour space is limited for the KangerRanger experience, so check the center’s website before making an online reservation, which is required. Tours include an arena show, a driving tour of the “Outback” and a “Billabong Encounter,” complete with other species of animals native to Australia.
Another adventure, Wander Down Under, is a bit more laid back on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s a self-guided walking tour that includes access to trails and paths to view animal exhibits, relaxing or picnicking in the Butterfly garden and shopping the Aussie Outpost. Online advance reservations are not required.
“Our "Wander Down Under" is an option for those who prefer viewing exotic Australasian wildlife exhibits without crowds, without a narrated guide, walking at your own pace, and with lower admission fees,” Pika says. “This option does not include the KangaRanger Truck Ride.” Admission for Wander Down Under is $20 for adults, $16 for children over age 5.
The Kangaroo Center moved to Dawson County in 1998, opened to public in 1999 after 20 years in Alpharetta. Privately owned, it has the largest collection of kangaroos outside of Australia. In addition to the kangaroos, there are Sugar Gliders, small possum-like creatures that are active at night; nearly a dozen species of Australasian birds and several reptiles, including Bearded and Frilled Dragons.
“You’ll see more kangaroos here than in any other place except Australia,” Maneyapanda says. “It’s an entertaining and educational experience not to be missed.”
The Kangaroo Conservation Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, call 706-265-6100 or visit www.kangaroocenter.com.