Kentucky Down Under

Kentucky Down Under and its collection

Kentucky Down Under, opened in 1990, is a zoo in Horse Cave, United States.

History

Bill Austin operated Mammoth Onyx Cave, known these days as Kentucky Caverns, which his grandfather had purchased during the 1920s. To give visitors something to do between cave tours, peacocks and other small animals were first kept above ground. The park itself was opened by Bill and Judy Austin in 1990.

Animals and collection

The collection is mostly Australian, with animals from Africa, Europe and Asia as well. Residents include dingo, kookaburra, red and eastern grey kangaroo, emu and ring-tailed lemur.

What the venue says

• trained border collie sheepdog herding demonstrations
• Gem mining
• Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the park. Additionally, an on-site café and gift shop are available for quick bites, snacks, and drinks.
• On-site parking is available conveniently near the entrance off the L&N Turnpike Road.
• The park paths and the kangaroo enclosure feature sidewalk loops to help visitors navigate comfortably. Reviewers and guides note that while the park offers great walkability and optional golf cart rentals, the Mammoth Onyx Cave tour involves stairs and uneven underground terrain, which may present challenges for some mobility-impaired guests.