I was surprised by my visit to the Dolphin Habitat/Secret Garden. The Mirage hotel is clean, beautifully decorated and well-managed. I assumed their animal exhibits would be the same. I was not remotely impressed by my visit.
Despite the cheap-ish (by Vegas standards) admission price, I would still advise against going. The animals themselves are magnificent and beautiful, however, their habitats were depressing. They have huge mammals caged up in small spaces with not much to entertain them. Instead of marveling at the beautiful white tigers and black leopards, I was forced to focus on how sad I was for them.
I am not one of those people who is anti-zoos. I've been to several zoos that I loved. It is just impossible for me to enjoy looking at animals when their living situations are in desperate need of updates and renovations. With all of the money the hotel makes, I am disappointed that they do not put more effort into giving these animals better living situations.
The dolphin exhibit was a little better than the Secret Garden, but not much. The dolphins were trying to break through the cages the whole time. It was unlike the nice/healthy exhibits I've seen elsewhere. I would definitely never return or recommend this habitat to anyone.