Lion Habitat at MGM Grand

Have you ever seen a lion from the underbelly of his enclosure? As the saying goes “only in Vegas”, or more precisely, “only at the MGM Grand”. Recognized by the archaic roaring lion status symbol, MGM have had a long affiliation with the big cat species – an affectation they are now keen to celebrate, merging the majestic African lion with their opulent hotel and casino experience. Best of all it's free!

Decked out in the style of huge temple ruins and sandy desert, the MGM Lion Habitat occupies a central position within the heart of the bustling casino. A hexagonal glass surround, less than six inches in thickness is all that separates spectators from the kings of the wild, but don't be alarmed. The descendants of MGM's own famous lion are monitored and often accompanied by up to four trainers within the enclosure, who can often be seen feeding them horse meatballs and generally indulging in kittenish play. Every four hours, from 10 am until 10 pm, the lions are changed for an alternate pairing, ensuring they never spend inadequate periods of time caged within what is actually quite a spacious enclosure.

Bounded by huge masonry boulders and the faux facades of ancient temples, the Lion Habitat does a great job of replicating a semi-wild lion hangout. Huge waterfalls provide a thundering backdrop to the desert oasis, while no detail is omitted from the foreground; bare trees provide essential scratching posts for the huge felines; huge boulders offer some semblance of shade from the glare of sunlight penetrating the glass-lined enclosure and small rock pools have been thoughtfully carved out, should the air conditioned vault become too warm. For the most part, the lions are content just to laze upon the strategically placed boulders, occasionally hopping up for a drink or prowl around the perimeter of the enclosure. MGM trainers sometimes encourage the lions to indulge in a little playtime, dragging raw meat across the enclosure at the end of a rope. It's moments like this that endear the lions all the more to visitors, since their gentle loping manner and pouncing behavior is reminiscent of how pet felines themselves like to pass the time.

MGM's lions can be viewed from a number of unique vantage points, located within the casino, MGM Habitat gift shop and via the purpose-built tunnel channeled beneath the waterfall and through the heart of the lion enclosure. From the tunnel, the vantage points are spectacular, since many of the lions favor the huge rocks clustered near the waterfall. Thankfully, the wild cats are unable to see their human audience, allowing visitors to get within a whisker of their faces and stare into the eyes of these truly beautiful animals!