There’s a “roaring” good time waiting for visitors and locals alike and it’s not on the Las Vegas Strip.
Once the iconic symbols of the MGM Hotel, the lions who captivated millions on the Strip have entered a meaningful new chapter at the Lion Habitat Ranch. Located a few miles from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, the ranch offers these former stars a more natural, spacious environment while continuing their legacy through conservation, education, and care.
Today, visitors can experience these majestic animals up close, learn about their role in wildlife preservation, and discover how a piece of classic Vegas history has evolved into a mission rooted in purpose and compassion. And did we mention they have friends? You’ll also find birds, emus, and tortoises at the Lion Habitat Ranch, making it a fun experience for the whole family.
A Roaring Good Adventure Can Be Found At The Lion Habitat Ranch In Las Vegas
The Lion Habitat Ranch, located in Henderson, has been around since 1989, although many might not realize it’s there. When asked how it all began, Ranch Manager, Denise Souffrant, shared some of the backstory exclusively with The 702 Vegas.
“Our lions are the ones who used to be seen at the MGM Hotel. MGM closed their lion exhibit at the beginning of 2012 to expand on a bar, and we were then able to open to the public at the end of that year,” she explained. “We’ve also taken in several other animals over the years, including rescued/pet surrendered parrots, emus, and tortoises.”
Many of the lions can trace their lineage back to one of the well-known MGM lions that appear in the opening of the movies. “Having lions related to that lion, which is a very iconic bloodline, is something we love to share,” she continued.
The habitat ranch helps to educate the guests who visit, host field trips, and also do outreach in the community.
‘Las Vegas Actually Has Very Similar Environmental Conditions To Lions’ Habitat In Africa’
The environment in Las Vegas is actually quite similar to that of the lions’ natural habitat in Africa, which makes this a great place for them to call home.
“Where lions are found are usually in savannah areas and scrublands, as well as some other habitats; they are not found in jungle regions,” Souffrant said. “Our lions have several shaded areas they can choose to use during the day, as well as sun areas if they want to lay in the sun. For the summer, we have swamp coolers that blow right into their den boxes, giving them an A/C area to cool down.”
In the wintertime, there are heated pads in the den boxes so the lions have a warmer area to relax in. Each of the lions who call the Lion Habitat Ranch home have their own favorite preferences on the heat and the cold, as well as distinct personalities.
What Can Guests Expect During A Visit To The Lion Habitat Ranch?
When visiting the Lion Habitat Ranch, guests can expect to have fun! They will see the animals up close, learn more about them, and get some interesting photo opportunities.
“Guests can expect to see all our animals up close. That’s one of the biggest comments we get from guests. We also offer many opportunities to talk with and learn from staff and volunteers,” Souffrant said. “We do feedings with the lions throughout the day, as well as enrichment demonstrations, where guests may see animals receive new toys, different food items, participate in training sessions, or receive sensory items (like scents).”
In addition to the lions, there are also parrots, emus, ostriches, and tortoises to see up close. If you’re lucky, one of the birds may even say “hello” to you or show you their dance moves.
“Guests may see our tortoises get snacks, enrichment, or even come out on a walk,” she said. “Guest have the opportunity to add-on experiences, such as our guest lion feed or tortoise experience.”
Something that staff hopes visitors understand about lions after visiting the ranch is that lions, and all animals, are “amazing and there are so many facts to learn about them as a species.” Souffrant hopes that every visitor is “inspired to care about the wild counterparts of our animals, who face serious threats such as habitat loss, poaching.”
Thousands Of People Visit The Ranch Every Year
Many people visit the Lion Habitat Ranch each year. Some are locals and others are visitors to Las Vegas.
“We welcome approximately 50,000 guests onsite each year. While we don’t currently have a way to measure our full offsite reach, we average 15 to 20 outreach activities annually, including visits to schools, convention, sports events, and more,” Souffrant said. “In addition, our global social media presence continues to grow, with Facebook reaching over 4 million people this year and Instagram approaching 2 million.”
The ranch is a 501(c)3 non-profit, funded by donations, admission, and purchases. They have also received grants over the years, though they fully depend on the purpose and if they are selected.
“Securing grants can be challenging, as many nonprofits are also competing for the same funding,” Souffrant said. “The public can support us by coming to visit, as well as spreading the word about the Lion Habitat Ranch. Leaving reviews and sharing our social media posts go a long way. We still get visitors who say they’ve lived here for 10 years and didn’t know we were here.”
As other many nonprofits, the ranch has seen a decline in donations this year, which makes every contribution even more meaningful and impactful than ever before.
Before ending your wild adventure at Lion Habitat Ranch, don’t forget to check out their gift shop, where you’ll find unique items such as lion paintings (paintings that the lions created), ostrich eggs, and much more. The ranch also hosts fun events such as their upcoming Noon Year’s Eve and Yoga with the Lions. Visit their website for more information.
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