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    Vacation » Mammoth Cave » A Day At Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo

    A Day At Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo

    Posted: 07/30/2018 | Last updated: 03/08/2021 by Erin 1 Comment
    Post may contain affiliate links via Amazon Associates or other programs. (Disclosure)

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    Kentucky Down Under Review

    LOCATION OF KENTUCKY DOWN UNDER

    3700 L & N Turnpike Road
    Horse Cave KY 42749,
    I-65 at Exit 58

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    Phone: (270) 786-1010
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: http://www.kentuckydownunder.com


    OUR EXPERIENCE AT KENTUCKY DOWN UNDER ADVENTURE ZOO

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    Continuing our tradition of visiting small independent zoos during our travels, we came upon the charming Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, located right on top of the entrance to Mammoth Onyx Cave.  Started by Bill and Judy Austin with just a few animals for visitors to enjoy between cave tours, it's now grown to a large and wonderful center.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    There are several resident dogs that chill wherever they please, like this sweet and calm Great Pyrenees, Biggie.  I may have given him a hug or six.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    There's a small cave right on the property, and admission includes a tour.  You'll be given a time for your cave tour when you purchase the tickets.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    The man-made entrance to the cave is right next to the gift shop.  The tour guide gave us a really interesting story of how the natural entrance to the cave was discovered and what it was used for over the years.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    Jasper was very excited to go in a cave for a second time!

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    Once we entered we were instructed to look straight up to view the covered natural entrance to the cave.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    The tour guide pointed out the different cave formations and how/why they form.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    While the tour is short and is appropriate for children, be aware that the walkways are wet, with water dripping down the ceilings and walls in several places.  Don't wear slick shoes and watch your step!

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    The underwater lighting added to highlight the cave's natural water feature was beautiful.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    We left the crisp 58 degree cave interior and trudged reluctantly back into the summer heat to continue our day.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    The Bird Garden is an area of large enclosures for feathered friends, like beautiful macaws.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    I love looking at owls - their faces are so peculiar and interesting.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    The favorite activity was the Lorikeet encounter, Land of Lories.  You can get up close and personal with the sweet birds and feed them nectar ($1 fee) from little paper cups.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    They're not shy at all!

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    It must have been the color of my dress because I was swarmed with Lorikeets as soon as I entered the encounter.  On my head, shoulder, arms, and if I bent over they landed on my back!

    lorikeet-fb

    I didn't mind at all... I love birds!

    shelby-lorikeet

    Shelby was excited to be so close to the colorful little fellas.  She's saying "BIRD! A BIRD!!"

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    There's a petting zoo area where we could pet and feed goats and donkeys.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    It was another sweltering summer day in Kentucky, so we took a break in the shade for cool drinks and a snack.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    Jasper has been to so many zoos, large and small, in his short 3 years and he's loved each and every one of them.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    The Outback Cafe offers a changing menu of beverages, snacks, and meals.  There are picnic tables peppered around the cafe as well as overlooking the Outback Walkabout area.  We didn't eat there during our trip, though we did make use of the restrooms available on the side of the building.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    The Outback Walkabout is a large enclosed areas where you have full access to wallabies, emus, kangaroos, tortoises, and more.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    These guys were so calm and sweet.  They were so gentle with their soft fuzzy muzzles when taking food out of our hands.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    It warms my heart to watch Jasper develop into a natural lover of animals.  He knows to be slow and careful around them and speaks to them in a soft voice.  He especially loves telling animals how soft and beautiful they are and that he "wuvs them so much."

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    This emu looks like it wouldn't be friendly and I'll admit we were a little apprehensive about approaching this fella, but it was cool being so close to one.  He/she was a little "pecky" when taking the food from us so Jasper skipped out on getting too close (his choice).  I didn't know what to expect from an animal that's such a close cousin to an ostrich (not exactly known for being friendly) but was surprised to find this emu was pretty chill.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    We certainly got our workout in for the day as the grounds are quite hilly - now we know the reason so many people choose to rent golf carts - so if you're working up an appetite for going out for a meal later, a visit to Kentucky Down Under will help you out with that!

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    The herding dog demonstration was amazing.  The handler explained how the dogs (border collies) are trained and he demonstrated several commands and herding maneuvers.  We own two corgis, another popular herding breed, and I could never imagine them being as well-trained as these dogs were - it was cool to witness.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    We ended our visit back at the cave entrance for a bathroom break and a little shopping.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    Cute gift shop!

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    The shop is packed with fun items like rocks, gems, geodes, t-shirts, patches, magnets, toys and stuffed animals, jewelry, and more!  The gift shop is also where you will find Kentucky Down Under's World Famous Homemade Fudge.   You can try a free sample of any flavor and then I dare you to try and leave without buying some to take home with you.

    Kentucky Down Under Review

    We purchased some maple walnut, Matt's all-time favorite flavor of fudge, and it was out of this world.  Do not visit Down Under without trying the fudge!!

    Overall, we had a completely awesome day at Kentucky Down Under and I encourage everyone visiting the Mammoth Cave area to pencil it in during your travels to take in another beautiful cave, learn a few things, and love on some sweet animals.

    Related posts:

    1. River Styx Spring Hike | Mammoth Cave Kentucky
    2. Frozen Niagara Tour | Mammoth Cave Kentucky
    3. Visiting Dinosaur World Kentucky
    4. Where To Eat In Mammoth Cave Kentucky
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    About Erin

    Erin is a mom of two human babies and two fur-covered babies. She loves comfy clothes, eats too much peanut butter, and watches excessive amounts of Netflix. Make her day and toss her a like on Facebook or follow her on Instagram. Post may contain affiliate links including those via the Amazon Associates program

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dana Rodriguez

      July 31, 2018 at 12:46 pm

      I have been there a few times and it is a lot of fun. You got some great photos!

      Reply

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