Zoos in Kentucky

Kentucky's animal attractions range from a large city zoo to small, specialized parks spread across the state. Louisville Zoo, which opened in 1969 on 130 acres, is AZA accredited and describes itself as the state zoo, with areas such as Glacier Run, Africa, and the Australian Outback. In central Kentucky, Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort is run by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and shows more than 40 native species, including black bears, bobcats, and elk. Kentucky Down Under in Horse Cave, off Interstate 65, pairs an Australian-themed animal park on 75 acres with tours of Mammoth Onyx Cave. In the Red River Gorge area, Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade focuses on venomous snakes.