Set on 87 acres of rolling hills in Dawsonville, GA (roughly an hour north of Atlanta), the Kangaroo Conservation Center has always been a sanctuary for animals of one sort or another. Founding directors Roger and Debbie Nelson have cared for a range of mammals, reptiles and birds including: a variety of African and Asian Antelope, European and South American Deer, African, Asian and Australian birds and rare unusual African rodents known as Springhaas, for which they have established the most successful captive breeding program in American zoos.
Over the years, the center’s mission has been distilled down to its current mission of breeding and caring for kangaroos and other Australasian species (marsupials, birds and reptiles). From its earliest beginnings, the center’s work has been supported by the Nelson’s own financial resources. Admission fees and gift shop sales are now used to grow the facility.
Walking & Riding Tours and Exhibitions
The Kangaroo Conservation Center caters to both able bodied and disabled visitors alike. Most walkways are both smoothly paved and attractively landscaped, making it simple an aesthetically pleasing to traverse the compound. There are only a few areas that might prove challenging for visitors who are restricted to wheelchairs or otherwise limited in their mobility.
The center also offers a guided tram tour of the grounds which takes visitors to some of the less accessible areas of the preserve, gives an overview of the center’s history, mission, and ongoing work, and also delivers a hilltop panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
The Kangaroo Conservation Center’s highly trained animal handlers also put on exhibitions and discussion sessions. In these sessions they introduce visitors to a few of the center’s most exotic residents, and demonstrate some of their unusual adaptations (flying mammals, etc.).
Activities and Encounters at the Kangaroo Conservation Center
The Kangaroo Conservation Center is home to hundreds of kangaroos, exotic birds, and retiles from around the world. Major exhibits include:
- The “Aussie Walkabout” exhibit leads visitors on a rambling tour of kangaroo habitats. In this area, kangaroos of all ages and sizes lounge, play, and feed outdoors, providing a splendid opportunity for photography.
- The Billabong Encounter is an immersive climate controlled environment where visitors can walk amongst birds, small mammals, and reptiles. And just outside the Billabong Encounter sits a remarkable and majestic 250-year-old white oak.
- Additionally, the grounds of the Kangaroo Conservation Center are planted with Eucalyptus trees (native to Australia), among which guests will find the Wings Down Under exhibit. This aviary showcases a host of birds found in Australia.
Other exhibits at the Kangaroo Conservation Center include:
- Boomerang Landing
- Butterfly Garden
- Wallaby Station
- Fern Valley Trail
Planning A Visit to the Kangaroo Conservation Center
When planning a trip to the Kangaroo Conservation Center, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Location: 222 Bailey-Water Rd. Dawsonville, GA 30534 (visitors are encouraged to get directions form the website and NOT use online mapping services).
- Phone: 706-265-6100
- Hours: Vary Seasonally (contact the center for up to date hours of operation
- Ticket Prices: $16-$26 (can be purchased online)
- Minimum Age: Not suitable for visitors younger than 5 years of age.
- Disinfectant: For the health and safety of the animals please be aware of and use all disinfectant mats and disinfectant stations.
For anyone with an interest in kangaroos, or animals of any kind, and for anyone wanting to escape Metro Atlanta for a brief trip through the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, Dawsonville’s Kangaroo Conservation Center is an excellent choice. The diversity of the animals, the scenery, and the mission conspire to create a worthwhile daytrip that is equal parts fun, education, and inspiration.
Glenn Kaufmann - Having moved every four years up to the age of 12, I've always been something of a restless soul ready to take on the next big thing. I ...
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