The Lion Habitat
at MGM Grand is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is complimentary.
To honor the lion
and help safeguard its preservation for future generations, MGM Grand Hotel
and Casino has created a one-of-a-kind Lion Habitat as a showcase for public
education and appreciation for this majestic creature of nature.
The lion has been
a part of the MGM heritage for many years, beginning with the legendary Leo,
whose roars have welcomed generations of moviegoers to epics of the silver
screen.
Countless
likenesses of the lion today grace the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.
Construction on
the habitat began in December of 1998. We opened to the public on July 1,
1999. Cost of the project was approximately $9 million. The Habitat size is
approximately 5,345 square feet, with 3,000 square feet of queue area and 920
square feet of retail space.
The lions are
owned by noted feline expert Keith Evans, who has been training exotic animals
for more than 30 years.
Keith Evans was
instrumental in the design of the habitat, making sure it was constructed and
is maintained to insure the highest standards.
To fulfill its
education mission, MGM Grand has forged an alliance with the University of
Minnesota Lion Research Center and its renowned director, Dr. Craig Packer.
View the Lion Research Center website, www.lionresearch.org.
MGM Grand has
formed a working partnership with the Research, committing $100,000 in grants
over the next two years to help fund Dr. Packer's programs in Africa.
Part of the
funding will enable vaccination of more than 5,000 dogs in Tanzania to prevent
contraction of distemper among the lion population. The Center has already
been instrumental in saving thousands of lions from epidemic disease.
This unique
alliance will result in enhanced public awareness and appreciation of the
lion, and will make a meaningful contribution to the well being of the King of
Beasts in the wild.
The lions live in
custom accommodations on an 8½ acre ranch owned by Keith Evans located 12
miles from the MGM Grand.
The lions live
separately in prides in adjoining secure enclosures, which measure a minimum
of 2,600 square feet. Each enclosure has a climate-controlled dens that is
cooled in the summer and heated in the winter.
The lions are
bathed, dried and groomed before being transported to the MGM Grand each day.
The lions are
brought to the Habitat via a custom 16-foot box van that holds stainless steel
rolling transport cages. The truck is driven directly to an overhead door
adjacent to the habitat.
The lions are fed
a specially formulated meal by hand after being loaded back into their rolling
cages prior to their return home.
They enjoy eating
what is known as "Nebraska Brand", which provides them with a mix of
all of the nutrients and vitamins a lion needs.
During the day,
their handlers also sometimes give the lions nutritious treats.
The handlers
utilize only their voices and hands when working with the lions both here at
the Habitat and home at the ranch.
Learn about the newest addition to the MGM Grand family during an exclusive
tour at the Lion Habitat. This tour is available for private groups - minimum
10, maximum 15 people. Hours are M-W-F 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Children must be 5
years of age and older to participate in the tour. Please contact Group Sales
at 800-546-6114 or 702-891-3815.
