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| - Lions in the desert? Sounds like a title to a book with some meaningful metaphor about life or something like that. Driving into the great city of Lost Wages off the I-15 (north from LA) my wife points out a sign with a giraffe that references lions. When I got to the hotel I turned to Yelp and there it was, the lion habitat in Henderson. The great reviews and the pics made me like this place more and more. I am a sucker for animals, then you throw in big cats and I am there. In no way, do I support the harming of animals or the removal from their native land, so I was skeptical of visiting. After a little more research I found out that all the money received from the entrance fees goes towards the maintenance and care for the animals. The animals were once used at the MGM Grand when they had the lion exhibit. The staff would load them up each day and take them back and forth. Since the lion exhibit is gone at the MGM the lions ended up staying in the desert but require some assistance from visitors.
If you are driving in from sin city just head south on LV BLVD or south on the I-15 and head towards the big hotel with the M on it. You cannot miss it. I am sure you will use some type of navigation system. When you enter, you will drive through a large gate with high cinder block walls, parking is free which is a bonus. Then head into the small structure and fill out a waiver and pay your entry fee. If you are a local, military, first responder status then you get a discount. All others pay $25 each and kids under 11 are free with adult. They have different packages available. It costs a lot of $$$$ to feed these wild beasts so every dollar helps.
The compound is not that large. You can be in and out in 30 minutes but we spent about an hour there. When you first walk in you will be greeted by some emus and ostriches. The lions are pretty much everywhere. The first stop you can sit in an old jeep and a trainer will get a lion to jump up behind you for a great photo opportunity. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They will answer all your questions and share any bit of information they have.
The lion sounds are insane. Insane in a cool way. It was about 10 minutes after walking in all the lions started communicating. You had to be there but if you could imagine being on the Serengeti surrounded by 30 or so lions you would get what I mean. Don't get too close to the cages because the lions will spray the area if they feel threatened in any way. You will be within a few feet from the lions. I have never been so close to lions before. Usually if I go to the zoo I may catch a glimpse of a lion or two but nothing exciting. Here you are surrounded by lions.
One thing I did not like was a group of kids teasing a pack of female lions and some cubs. The kids were running back and forth and yelling at the lions. You could tell the lions were becoming agitated. The parents were just laughing. Yes, it might be cute to think your children could be lunch for a group of lions but there is no need to put any more stress on those creatures which are locked up behind a cage.
Overall, it was a great experience. I have visited the habitat at the Mirage and the Shark reef at the Mandalay Bay, and I must say that I enjoyed the lion habitat the most because I was so close to the animals and I could experience something much more different than a zoo or aquarium. It was inexpensive compared to what I could have spent at a craps or blackjack table. Have fun!
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