Southern Byways

Let’s Go to the Mountains: Tigers, Lions and Kangaroos - Oh My! Wildlife in the Georgia Mountains

by Apryl on November 17th, 2007

When you think about the South, what comes to your mind? Perhaps good food, humidity and football -at least those are a few things that come to my mind when someone asks about this region. It is doubtful that you think exotic animals when someone is talking about Georgia.

Oh, but the South is full of surprises. Here’s a quick list of places along the Georgia mountains where you can see all types of animals without having to take your passport along.

Did you know that The Kangaroo Conservation Center in Dawsonville is home to the largest collection of kangaroos outside of Australia? But that’s not all, the 87-acre preserve is also home to kookaburras, Australian ducks, wild burros, springhaas and a Dik-Dik, a tiny antelope. Tours are given by reservation only during the summer and fall; and can accommodate approximately 10 to 35 people. A combination presentation and safari, the overall tour, which includes touching and holding a kangaroo (supervised, of course) lasts two hours.

For those who have always wanted to ride on an ostrich, but never could find one, the Rainbow Nation of North Georgia, located about 20 miles south of Dahlonega, offers this experience for a donation of $2. Also at this animal refuge and sanctuary, you can get an up-close view of animals such as chinchillas, emus and exotic birds. Don’t miss the Amicalola Deer Park, located west of Amicalola Falls off Highway 52. These exotic deer are part of Rainbow Nation’s relocation program.

Located on 25 acres in Dahlonega, Chestatee Wildlife Preserve is home to about 450 animals of more than 100 species native to the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. Visitors have the opportunity to see white tigers, camels, wallabies, wolves, bison, leopards and more.

Open for tours to the public by appointment only, Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary, in Ellijay, is open for tours by appointment only. The 50-acre rescue sanctuary was established to care for injured and sick wildlife rescued throughout the Southeast. As an educational facility, the sanctuary offers behind-the-scenes tours on Fridays, and Family Days are held the second Sunday of each month.

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POSTED IN: Let's Go to the Mountains, Southern Byways, Things to See in Georgia, Wild Life, Zoos