Thanks to a combination of national publicity and an influx of "staycationers" during a summer filled with high gas prices through the region, the Kangaroo Conservation Center 's mid-season admission total is up 45 percent over this time one year ago.  Attractions nationwide saw only a 2 percent average increase in admissions   as a whole.

A 10-minute feature story and in-studio appearance by founders/directors Roger and Debbie Nelson, along with a few selected marsupials, on NBC-TV's "Today" show on July 10 fueled an immediate increase in bookings by phone and online through www.kangaroocenter.com and gift shop business for the KCC. "Today" producer Molly Parnell got the idea from a high-profile story on the Center she read in Delta Airlines' Delta Sky magazine.

Families throughout Georgia have learned that the KCC as a "staycation" option as part of one-day or one-tank trips to Northeast Georgia destinations.

"We've had so many first-time visitors this season and they have fallen into one of two categories -- out-of-towners who saw our 'Today" show story and added the Kangaroo Center to their Atlanta vacations, and Georgia families that got both educational and entertainment value convenient to home," said Debbie Nelson.

The Kangaroo Conservation Center - selected as "Best Animal Encounter" in Atlanta magazine's Best of Atlanta 2006, profiled by NBC-TV's "Today" show, The New York Times, Smithsonian and Delta Sky magazines and rated "Fodor's Choice" by Fodor's The Carolinas and Georgia , 17th Edition in 2007 - features the largest kangaroo collection outside of Australia .

The staff at the Kangaroo Conservation Center have successfully bred and cared for a dozen different species of marsupials for over 25 years. The KCC, certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is dedicated to the preservation of kangaroo species through captive breeding and public education.

Individuals and tour groups can take the "Aussie Adventure" at the Kangaroo Center - an approximate 90-minute guided tour that consists of a boomerang exhibition, a ride on the "KangaRanger" truck though the park where visitors can view the kangaroos in their natural environment, the "Wild Australia" show in Australia Station where visitors meet the animals up close in an entertaining and educational look at the different species living at the KCC.

Before or after the guided tour, visitors can walk through the "Billabong Encounter" that is home to native Australian birds, mammals and reptiles, walk or hike along the "Aussie Walkabout" to view kangaroo mobs (what groups of kangaroos are called), enjoy the adjacent butterfly picnic garden and follow the trail through "Fern Valley," which is a native Appalachian forest. KCC souvenirs, gifts for friends and family and delicious snacks are available at the "Aussie Outpost." All KCC gifts and souvenirs can also be ordered online year-round at www.kangaroocenter.com.

The "Aussie Adventure" admission (excluding sales tax) is $30 for adults, $28 for senior citizens (65 and over) and $25 for children ages 6-17. Other individual visitor options are available starting at $18 per person. For up-to-date ticket availability, and to purchase tickets, go to www.kangaroocenter.com. Group rates are available - contact the KCC at (706) 265-6100 or visit www.kangaroocenter.com for more details and tour date availability. The KCC offers tours through the end of November. Tour days and dates vary, so potential visitors are strongly encouraged to check the tour calendars on the website for the most up-to-date information regarding availability.

To reach the Kangaroo Conservation Center from Atlanta , take Georgia Hwy. 400 North to Hwy. 136. Go left (west) on Hwy. 136 and travel 12 miles. Turn right onto Bailey-Waters Road at the Forrest Hills Conference Center sign. Drive about 100 yards to the first entrance on the right - just look for the large bamboo gate.

Sincerely,

Kangaroo Conservation Center
706-265-6100
Fax: 706-265-6261
www.kangaroocenter.com
Member AZA & IAAPA The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) envisions a world where all people respect, value and conserve animals and nature. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.