Lion Habitat Ranch
- Admission
- $25 adults, $10 children (ages 4-14), free for children 3 and under (discounts available for locals and seniors)
- Hours
- Thursday through Monday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
- Duration
- 1 to 2 hours
- Parking
- Free paved and gravel parking lot directly in front of the main entrance with space for larger vehicles.
- Access
- Flat, wide, paved and hard-packed gravel paths make the entire ranch accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Once the retirement home for the famous MGM Grand lions, this Henderson sanctuary is now a multi-species haven. Get up close to majestic lions, feed a giraffe named Ozzie, and see exotic birds in an intimate setting. It's a rare chance to see these powerful predators just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
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For decades, the lions at the Lion Habitat Ranch were famous for their daily appearances at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. When the casino exhibit closed in 2012, this spacious Henderson ranch became their permanent sanctuary and opened its doors to the public. Today, it serves as a peaceful haven for dozens of lions, as well as a selection of other exotic animals.
Visitors can stroll along paved pathways to observe these magnificent big cats playing, resting, and interacting with their handlers. The ranch emphasizes conservation and education, offering behind-the-scenes tours and unique interactive experiences. One of the major highlights is Ozzie, a friendly reticulated giraffe who loves to paint and accept lettuce from guests.
Unlike bustling big-city zoos, the ranch offers a relaxed, self-guided experience. You can watch training sessions, learn about the individual personalities of each resident, and see first-hand how the staff cares for these incredible animals.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Book a feeding experience in advance to hand-feed a giraffe or a lion.
- ◆ Arrive early in the morning when the animals are most active and the desert heat is mild.
- ◆ Look out for Ozzie the giraffe's custom paintings, which are available for purchase in the gift shop.
- ◆ Check their daily schedule online for trainer talks and specialized enrichment activities.
Heads Up
- ◆ The sanctuary is entirely outdoors with limited shade, so sunscreen and hats are essential.
- ◆ Keep children behind the safety barriers at all times for their safety and the peace of the animals.
Common questions
Are these the same lions that used to be at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas?
Yes, this ranch was the official off-site home for the MGM Grand lions when they were not on display at the casino. After the casino habitat closed in 2012, the ranch transitioned to a permanent public sanctuary for them.
Can you feed the giraffe at the Lion Habitat Ranch?
Yes, you can purchase food to feed Ozzie the giraffe by hand. The ranch also offers a special experience where you can watch Ozzie paint a custom canvas that you can take home.
Is it possible to feed the lions?
Yes, the ranch offers a lion-feeding experience for an additional fee where you feed a lion using a long-handled feeding tong through a safety barrier. Participants must meet age requirements, and sessions are supervised by a trainer.
How long does it take to walk through the Lion Habitat Ranch?
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the sanctuary. The paths are paved and the layout is compact, making it easy to see all the animals at a relaxed pace.