An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
The Salato Wildlife Education Center features native Kentucky wildlife exhibits, walking trails, fishing access, picnic areas, and educational opportunities for all ages.
Review the FAQs below before your visit. For additional questions, contact our Information Center at (502) 564-7861 or Salato@ky.gov.
NO. Pets are not allowed in the center, on our exhibit path, or on our hiking trails. You may have a LEASHED pet in the picnic/fishing area.
Only fully trained harnessed or leashed service dogs are allowed at the Salato Center and on the hiking trails. Service animals are not allowed in and around the quail and raptor aviaries. For the safety of our animals, emotional support and comfort companions are not allowed at Salato.
NO. For your safety and the safety of our animals we do not allow bikes, skateboards, skates, hoverboards, or heely skate shoes to be ridden inside the Salato Center or on our exhibit path.
However, you may ride bicycles, etc. in the picnic/fishing area. Strollers and wagons are permitted at Salato.
YES! We do not sell food or drinks onsite, but you are more than welcome to pack your own! We ask that you eat at the designated areas and be mindful of cleaning up your trash, so that everyone can enjoy their visit. Alcoholic beverages, glass containers and straws are prohibited.
NO. Kentucky’s tobacco-free order prohibits smoking and the use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, chew, cigars, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products) on all state property by visitors and employees. This includes all buildings, grounds, parking lots, sidewalks, in state vehicles, and in personal vehicles on state properties controlled by the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Individuals and families may check out a pole and tackle free of charge at the Salato Center; however, we cannot guarantee availability, and bait is not provided. If you have a group of six or more, please contact Easton Copley (email: Easton.Copley@ky.gov) to arrange for additional poles.
All visitors age 16 and over must have a valid Kentucky fishing license.
NO. The Salato Center is not a rehabilitation facility and does not have the space or resources to house animals other than those in our planned collection. Please reference the Kentucky licensed wildlife rehabilitator list. Other than service animals, no outside animals may be brought inside the Center because of the risk of disease.
NO. The Salato Center is not a Wildlife Control Operator.
Visit the Wildlife Control application to find a Wildlife Control Operator near you.
No. Feeding exhibit animals is strictly prohibited.
Yes. Picnic shelters may be reserved in advance online through the Picnic Shelters Reservation Page , or used on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of your visit if available.
There is a chance that one or more of the animals may not be on public exhibit when you visit due to various reasons including exhibit maintenance, health issues and exams, and training
Salato is open seasonally rain or shine. We do not offer refunds. Please check the weather before you visit and remember your rain gear.
Organized filming and private professional or commercial photography at Salato is limited to KDFWR initiated or approved informational content that supports Salato’s educational and conservation mission, the facility’s operations, and visitor and animal management needs. This does not prohibit ordinary visitors from taking personal photographs or video during a regular visit, consistent with posted rules and staff direction.
Salato has a small but dedicated staff. Like all positions within the Kentucky state government, when jobs are available, they will be posted to the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet careers page .
Please visit our employment and volunteer page for more opportunities.
No. Unauthorized drones over the property are not allowed.
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