It's quite appropriate that something in Las Vegas would choose to host a $9 million habitat for lions. Even more appropriate that it's in that one resort with a logo of a gold lion. Sure, it would attract spectators who might potentially spend time in the casino and other attractions at the MGM. Except, there are people who've been to the MGM a great deal of times and yet never felt inclined to visit the Lion Habitat. (Me?)
It seems I'm one of the few that was unimpressed by this extraordinary display of wealth & kitschy attempt at grandeur. When I last went in January, however, I was with a friend who hadn't been to Vegas for 15 years and stopped as we passed it on our way to the Rainforest Cafe. We saw one very bored looking lioness. Awesome.
If I really wanted to see lions, I'd go back to one the few wildlife habitats located around the world, especially those I've visited a number of times as a kid: the conveniently located Taman Safari in Indonesia, the Night Safari in Singapore, or the Wild Animal Park in San Diego.