Visitors are encouraged to call ahead, as tour days and times can vary. Information on the Kangaroo Conservation Center is available on the website at www.kangaroocenter.com, or call 706-265-6100.

The Kangaroo Conservation Center is “Georgia’s Aussie Adventure,” home to the largest population of kangaroos outside of Australia. Located in Dawsonville, GA, one-hour north of Atlanta, the Center has approximately 200 kangaroos on view, which is more than any other attraction outside of Australia.

In March 2005, the Kangaroo Conservation Center was again granted certification as a Related Facility by the American Zoo & Aquarium Association, one of only four wildlife facilities in Georgia to be granted accreditation or certification by the AZA. “We are very pleased to certify the Kangaroo Conservation Center as a Related Facility,” stated Sydney J. Butler, Executive Director of AZA. “Zoos, aquariums, and related organizations holding wildlife in North America are continually evolving and reaffirming their commitment to animal care, professionalism, ethics, conservation and education. In turn they are enriching the lives of their community.

The Kangaroo Conservation Center is no exception.” The Center has been a member of the AZA since 1987 and undergoes a complete certification process every five years. Certification or accreditation is required for any wildlife facility to become a member of the AZA, which represents 232 zoos, aquariums and wildlife facilities in North America.

The Kangaroo Conservation Center attracts thousands of U.S. and international visitors annually. A guided tour, reservations required, through the 87-acre facility enables visitors to photograph large mobs of Eastern grey, Western grey and red kangaroos interacting as they would be in the wild.

An educational wildlife show presents various kangaroo species to visitors up close. The “ Aussie Walkabout,” which opened in Spring 2005, is a ¼ mile-hiking trail that allows visitors to view the kangaroos in their natural habitats, as well as see awesome views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

Opening this summer will be the “Billabong Encounter,” an immersive exhibit that allows visitors to walk amongst Australasian plants and animals, including birds and tiny kangaroos. New kangaroo species introduced to the Center include the Bennett’s Wallaby, the tiny Brush-tailed Bettong, an Endangered species, and the Agile Wallaby, the latter two of which are rarely exhibited in North America.

The Kangaroo Conservation Center offers an entertaining and educational experience for individuals, families and groups. All visitors must be a minimum of 8 years old (or enrolled in 2nd grade) for admittance.

The guided tours last approximately 1.5 hours, including an indoor show and a ride thru the Center’s scenic natural animal habitats in the new covered 90-passenger trams.

The Visitor Center exhibits educational displays, while the large Aussie giftshop (opened in 2004) offers a variety of unique kangaroo motif items, Aboriginal art, Aussie Outback hats, tees, wildlife gifts and light snacks. An open picnic area is available adjacent to the Butterfly Garden.

Directions and map available on the website at www.kangaroocenter.com