Kentucky Down Under

Kentucky Down Under is double well name because it has an Australian theme and a cave. My Husband and I went to Kentucky Down Under thinking it was just a cave, not really knowing about the other things it had to offer, so we was a little surprised at the cost, which was almost $20 per person. However, the woman at the gate gave us a map of the park, which has times for shows and the cave tours listed on it. From this, we were able to tell that there was a lot more to the place, and decided to go ahead. The first thing we did was head to the wool shed for a sheep show. On the way, we saw a dingo in his pen, and we passed through the bird garden, a series of large cages with kookaburras and cockateels. When we arrived at the shed we were treated to a show of many different species of sheep, which they brought out onto the stage. It was somewhat funny, and definitely educational. Then we went outside for a sheep herding demonstration by the speakers' dog, which went far out in the field, and herded the sheep to the fence by us. Then we went back inside for the real fun. They small kids from the audience were given large bottles to feed the babies. Every little child gets a bottle, and then they unleash the baby sheep. It is a stampede of minor proportions, as the small children are assaulted by the babies. It was fun to watch, but probably even more fun to do.

After the show we headed over to feed some lorikeets at the aviary. Along the way, I was able to get some very good pictures of a peacock with its tail fanned. Feeding the lorikeets is a lot of fun. You get to go into a large enclosure with a cup of nectar, and the birds land on you, on you hand, shoulder, or even head, to eat the nectar from the cup.

After the lorikeets, we went to the Kangaroo pen. This was my favorite part of the park. A park employee leads you on a tour along a sidewalk through an enclosed area with kangaroos, wallabies, and ostriches. We were allowed to pet the kangaroos and an ostrich. They are all very relaxed. At the time we were there a woman at the park had a joey in a special made pouch on her front, to simulate the Kangaroo pouch. She was mothering it, and kept it with her at all times. She let us pet him; he was very soft, like a rabbit. He was almost ready to come out, and doesn't fit into the pouch all the way anymore.

Once we had seen the kangaroos, we made a stop at the more traditional petting zoo, where they have miniature ponies and goats, which we brushed and petted. Finally, we were ready for the cave tour, which was a nice, basic cave, common in the area. The tour guide was king enough to take everyone's picture inside.

The only activity we missed was a visit to the reptile house, because we didn't get to it in time for a show, but I believe it is hands on as well. Kentucky is a lot of fun because it is so hands on. The staff all seem to like there jobs, and are very knowledgeable. I'll give this place an A. I will not give it a + because, in my opinion, it could have been a little cheaper. Still, it is a fun way to spend the day.