Pet a kangaroo near LOU

There are lots of interesting animals to see if you’re open to taking a drive outside our city limits.

City Editor Lennie feeding a kangaroo at Kentucky Down Under

City Editor Lennie feeds a kangaroo at Kentucky Down Under in Horse Cave, KY.

Photo by LOUtoday

Table of Contents

We love the Louisville Zoo, especially encounters that give guests a behind-the-scenes view of animals’ lives. But here are 3 more ways to visit animals that live outside of Derby City.

Kentucky Down Under, 3700 L&N Turnpike Rd., Horse Cave

This adventure destination — 90 minutes from downtown — gives guests the opportunity to feed and pet kangaroos, albino wallabies, and emus.

Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, 1831 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown

Head about an hour southeast of LOU to get up close and personal with ~15 thoroughbred retirees, including 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm and Hall of Fame member Lava Man.

Waddy Bluegrass Alpacas, 1800 Scott Pike, Waddy

Just 45 minutes outside of LOU, tour-goers will visit Suri and Huacaya Alpacas who supply the fiber used to make handmade alpaca-finished goods like socks and scarves, which are sold in the farm store.

More from LOUtoday
Meet the organization distributing period products to those who need them throughout the commonwealth.
Get the kids out of the house and into these fun and enriching summer camps in Louisville.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
This shop served Louisville bookworms for nearly 100 years — and it gets namedropped in a famous novel.
The preliminary renderings for what’s to replace Mid City Mall are here.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming shows + showcases here in Derby City.
Supporting local soccer teams and getting cheaper tickets? We’re in.
Find genealogy services, telescopes, and book club kits at your local library.
It pays to plan ahead.
You may have heard of Little Free Libraries, but this international movement is working to bring free films to people in its path.