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Kangaroos
in Georgia
 If you've always wanted to visit Australia, but haven't found a way to RV
there, now you can take a trip and see the largest mob of kangaroos (yes, a
group of kangaroos is called a mob) outside Australia. Just an hour north of
Atlanta in Dawsonville, Ga., is the Kangaroo Conservation Center, a
privately-owned wildlife sanctuary.
Owner Roger Nelson has been working with
kangaroos in Georgia for the past 20 years, raising them for zoos the world
over. Just five years ago, he created the Kangaroo Conservation Center to give
the public an opportunity to see "'roos" in the wild.
Spread over 87 acres,
the Center exhibits over 200 kangaroos. Knowledgeable guides take visitors
through the "Outback" on 10-wheel safari trucks to view large mobs of these much
loved Australian marsupials. The Center can also boasts of having all six of
North America's Blue Wing Kookaburras. Australia parrots are also sighted there
in the aviary.
 Visitors can also learn to throw a boomerang, visit the
breeding center and tour the inner workings of the kangaroo farm. All while
enjoying a magnificent view of the Appalachian Mountains.
How do 'roos from
Down Under handle the north Georgia winter? "They do well in the winter," says
Nelson. "They're adaptable creatures, and we have shelter for them. Actually,
the climate here is much like Australia's."
The Kangaroo Conservation Center now has online ticketing. You can also look
at the tour calendar to determine times and days available. Tour fees for
2006 are: $27.50 for adults; children 2nd grade to 17 years old, $22.50;
and seniors (ages 65+), $26.13. Tours are generally Tuesday through Saturday
at 10:15 am and 1:15 pm, but this is subject to change.
Kids must be eight years old (2nd grade) to be admitted. Tours are conducted
from early spring through late fall. Reservations are highly recommended and
required for groups. The Kangaroo Conservation Center is located at 222
Bailey-Waters Rd., Dawsonville, GA 30534. It can be contacted at
706-265-6100 or visit www.kangaroocenter.com.
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