Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage

The wildest part of Las Vegas isn't necessarily the nightlife.

Right on the Strip is an attraction that defines wild in Vegas in a whole new way. Welcome to The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage Las Vegas where tigers, panthers, leopards and dolphins enjoy the Vegas sun and a posh resort like the millions of human tourists who visit the city each year.

The facility, which opened in 1990, is the dream of legendary magicians Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn, better known to millions as Siegfried & Roy. For years the duo has worked to help save endangered animals, primarily white tigers and lions.

The Dolphin Habitat

Surrounded by palm trees, lush foliage and 2.5 million gallons of water, the Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage is truly an oasis on the Las Vegas Strip. Whether the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins who call the habitat home are swimming, "tail walking" across water, catching fish or bonding with each other, you'll get an up-close and personal look at their fun, intriguing lifestyle.

The Dolphin Habitat is actually a research facility designed to educate people about these amazing creatures. And while the dolphins don't perform on a regular schedule, visitors can still be surprised by a fun thing or two.

"We like to refer to what the dolphins do as naturalistic behavior, the things that they do naturally in the wild," said Jim Hudson, curator of the Dolphin Habitat. "We incorporate things into the bows, the jumps and the tail walks they do."

Visitors can also catch dolphins responding to questions by shaking their heads, flapping their fins, catching fish and much more.

"All of the dolphins have different personalities," Hudson said

K2, born Aug. 20, 2011, is the newest addition to the dolphin family. 

 

Be a dolphin trainer! Ever dream of being a dolphin trainer? Then why not try it out for a day? Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat now offers visitors the chance to do just that. From 9:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. you will play with and feed the dolphins while accompanied by habitat staff. Throughout this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you will also have your photo taken at various locations in the habitat. At the end of the day, your photos will be put on a CD for you to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Fees are $550 per person with a four person maximum. Call (702) 792-7889 for more information or to make reservations.   Private events Never before available to the public, Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage is now available for private functions. This unique setting is ideal for those wanting to hold an event surrounded by the beauty of nature. In addition to numerous exotic animals, the habitat is also filled with majestic palm trees and lush foliage and can accommodate parties of up to 650 guests. Whether you are hosting a reception, dinner, meeting or conference, the unique jungle atmosphere of the habitat is sure to provide an experience not soon forgotten. For more information contact The Mirage Catering Department at (800) 939-9389.

Trainer for a day

Dolphin Habitat visitors who wish to get a little more involved with the animals can participate in the Trainer for a Day program. In this all-day activity, guests slip into a wetsuit and get up close to the dolphins.

"They feed them fish, take pictures with them, wade in the water and interact with the dolphins," Hudson said. "They participate in the activities that the dolphins do every day."

Exercising is also very vital to the dolphins' health. When the trainers aren't exercising or having fun with the dolphins, they conduct regular check-ups to ensure that they're healthy.

"Those are some of the things trainers have to look at every day," said Hudson.

For those who don't want to get wet, the Dolphin Habitat also offers an underwater viewing area. But if you're trying to take a picture of the dolphins, it can get a little tricky. Since these dolphins are so swift and playful, you may find yourself running back and forth to capture the perfect photo.

The habitat also features shaded seating, a café and a gift shop filled with memorabilia including plush dolphin toys and even dolphin-shaped water guns.

While many people think of Sea World when they think of dolphins, many don't realize that they can see the creatures right in the midst of the Las Vegas desert.

"A lot of people don't know about us," said Hudson. "We're kind of a secret on the Strip. We'd like for everyone to come out and visit."

The Secret Garden

Just steps away from the Dolphin Habitat, guests can enter the wonderful, secluded world of beautiful wildcats.

If you loved collecting those big, cuddly stuffed animals as a kid, then visiting the Secret Garden at the Mirage is a dream come true. Here you can see your furry friends come to life within the lush surroundings of the habitat.

The beautiful attraction displays six different showcases of lions, tigers and leopards. But the majority of these cats aren't like the typical colored wildcats you see quite often.

"These are some of the most impressive cats I've ever seen," said Dave Blasko, director of animal care at The Secret Garden. "People come from all over the world to see them."

For more than 20 years, Siegfried and Roy dedicated their time in preserving these rare and exotic breeds. Not only does the Secret Garden preserve these animals from extinction, but visitors also have the opportunity to gain a better understanding and awareness about them.

The Secret Garden stands out from other animal habitats because it features black and white striped tigers as well as pure white ones. With their distinctive fur color and crystal blue eyes, the cats almost seem unreal. Visitors can witness these cubs pounce and play in a specially built nursery.

The Secret Garden is home to six leopards, one snow leopard and one black panther, all of which are endangered species. 

As you meander through the habitat, you'll notice all the lush greenery, fun, jungle-themed music and even a towering wildcat figure made from plants. Some of the cats even have built-in waterfalls in their resting areas. But despite their tropical surroundings, guests often wonder how they're able to cope with the city's extreme weather conditions.

"They get used to their environment," said Blasko. "It's also very shady in this area. They like the cool grass to sleep in."

You'll also discover fun facts about the animals written on plaques spread throughout the facility. For instance, female lions do most of the hunting while the male lion watches over the pride. Also, tigers actually enjoy swimming.

"Tigers are one of the few cats who like water," said Blasko.

If you want to take some of the wildlife back home with you, the gift shop at the Secret Garden offers souvenirs.

Together with its lush foliage and gorgeous waterfalls, the Secret Garden is the ideal place to visit any time of the year. With all its trees and tropical surroundings, you'll literally feel like you're in another country.

Whether you come to see the dolphins or some of the rarest tigers and lions in the world, The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat may prove to be the wildest moment on your Vegas trip.

-- Review by Jeannie Borbe