Lions and tigers and … dolphins? In Las Vegas? Oh, my, it’s true. At Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat (which is part of Las Vegas Magazine’s 2021 Hall of Fame class), you’ll be immersed in a lush oasis filled with exotic animals such as white tigers, white lions and dolphins, including the adorable Lady Ace, the most recent addition to the dolphin clan.
Since its opening in 1990, this enchanting habitat has not only served as a sanctuary for some very big cats (some of whom once performed in the Siegfried & Roy magic show) and sea creatures, but it also focuses on scientific research, education and conservation outreach. With the Secret Garden’s guided educational programs, it’s the perfect place for parents to take their curious, animal-loving kids to learn about these beautiful animals and their habitats. You might learn a thing or two also.
Once entering the Secret Garden, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to some distant jungle or African veldt, replete with abundant grassland, greenery, trees and waterfalls. Within the habitat, you’ll find lions, tigers and leopards lounging and grazing in the grass. Perhaps you’ll even see a tiger dip their paw into the waterfall. Throughout the exhibit you’ll also find plaques with fun facts and information; for instance, did you know that the frosty coats of white tigers and white lions is due to a condition called leucism, which means they lack dark pigmentation? So, be careful not to call them albinos!
Majestic as these animals may be, they’re pretty lazy, and there’s not a lot of action happening. Yet, once you move into the Dolphin Habitat, you’ll see those incredible aquatic creatures swim and splash around in their pools. If you’re lucky, you might catch the trainers working with the dolphins, and you’ll witness the tricks and aerial feats they’re capable of. Rumor has it these dolphins are so skilled that you’ll never see them do the same trick twice. If you want to snag a picture, the dolphins are incredibly photogenic and they’re always camera ready, for they always look like they’re smiling.
The Mirage, 702.791.7188
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