Deadwood, South Dakota - The Roo Ranch

In the hills of South Dakota, who would expect to find a Kangaroo ranch? Well, there is one, and a fine one at that. The Roo Ranch has a collection of about 40 well cared-for kangaroos, wallabies and wallaroos (a combination of kangaroo and wallabie that is really a large animal). The animals are in new, clean activity areas and seem to be quite happy.

When you arrive, a "ranch guide" will give you what amounts to a private tour, explaining what you are viewing and answering any questions. When we were there, one of the females had a baby "joey" in her pouch. After the tour, we were able to pet some baby "roos" in the office building. They are very soft like velvet! We did not opt for a picture with a joey that is offered for $15.

The current ranch opened in early 2006 and the signage is still being worked out. There is a billboard on I-90 coming from Rapid City, but it's so far away from the ranch that you may forget about it by the time you reach it. [John Holmes, 07/09/2006]