A Roaring Good Time in Vegas at the MGM Grand Lion Habitat

The middle of the desert and the Las Vegas Strip might be two of the last places you would think of when it comes to viewing wildlife, especially lions. However, you and the kids can get up close and personal with the big felines at the MGM Grands Lion Habitat.

Of course, what is more fitting than a hotel themed around a studio with a lion as a mascot to keep the real thing for tourists to view? And, surprisingly enough, some of the lions on display are descendants of MGM Studios' famous signature marquee lion, Metro.

The habitat is located inside of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino and is open to the public daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. One of the best things about this attraction is the price tag ; it is free! The goal of the habitat is to educate the millions of visitors that flock to Las Vegas each year about the magnificence of the lion. Animal trainer/owner Keith Evans oversees all aspects of the lions. Evans has over 30 years of wildlife experience, so has the expertise and respect necessary for dealing with the big cats.

The attraction features a multilevel glass enclosure where the lions on display can play and relax for all to view. There are several regular viewing spots, plus a glass tunnel that allows you to walk under the lion enclosure. You and the other visitors are separated from the lions by only an inch and a half of glass, so the exhibit allows you to have one of the most up close and personal experiences you can have with the king of the jungle. The display also includes information placards along the walls, offering interesting facts about the lions, such as the fact that they can sleep 18 to 20 hours a day and reach an adult size of 8 feet long and over 500 pounds. The habitat itself is decorated with stone, indigenous trees and plants, four separate waterfalls, and a pond. The walls reach heights of 35 feet, allowing for plenty of viewing room ; however, be prepared to wait for a chance to get your turn to press up against the glass.

Whenever you go to see the lions, there is a good chance that you are not seeing the same ones as you did on a previous visit. A total of 31 lions are available to share time in the enclosure. They spend six hours on display and then two days off at the 8.5 acre ranch outside of Las Vegas where they get plenty of free range activity. There are only a few lions on display at a time, so the groupings can be quite random. Also, some lions are on time out from spending time in the habitat after they gave trainers a hard time when it was time to leave. The lions are also usually accompanied by at least one trainer, who keeps the lions busy with play so that you get a rare glimpse of their active side. If you are really lucky, you might even get a chance to see trainers hand feeding the lions.

On your way out, you may want to consider stopping by the retail shop. There you will have the opportunity to shop for a variety of lion themed items to take home as a souvenir from the trip. The store is open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM.

So next time you are in Las Vegas, take time to walk on the wild side and go and see the king of the jungle at his home at the MGM Grand. The sight is sure to thrill animal enthusiasts of all ages.

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A nationally televised poker game is folding its hand after one year, leaving a hole in a struggling downtown Las Vegas retail complex, officials said.

One man is dead after a shooting at a North Las Vegas apartment complex. The shooting happened around 11:30 Thursday night at a complex on Lake Mead near Pecos.

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Founded in 1982, Consolidated Resorts, Inc. is a privately held vacation ownership resort developer with resorts in Maui, Las Vegas, Orlando. The company also has projects in the pipeline in Palm Springs and Kauai.

(ARA) - Las Vegas is a city with a reputation for being unique and exciting. It is a popular vacation destination because it has something to offer everyone, no matter what age or interest.

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