With each article you read, you realize how Las Vegas can surprise you even more, don’t you? What if the surprise now was a true nature sanctuary, with preserved vegetation and rare species of animals? Yes, this place exists and it’s closer than you think, inside The Mirage hotel, in the so-called Secret Garden.
The space, which opened in 1990 and is aimed at lovers of environmental causes or anyone with a love of animals, promises to provide a real haven for the eyes and senses in the middle of the desert. Home to some of the world’s rarest felines, such as lions and white tigers, as well as a snow leopard and a panther, the attraction displays six different showcases with the animals, flanked by a backdrop of waterfalls and palm trees. In addition to the visuals, tourists can also count on important information for a better understanding and awareness of the species seen, all of this through panels scattered among the corridors with curiosities and part of the history of the furry ones.
Leaving the land and going to sea…
If your dream has always been to see a dolphin up close, the long-awaited moment has arrived. The park also offers unforgettable moments where you can swim with the little darlings of the sea.
The dolphins, which are native to the Atlantic, have a corner specially designed for them in a 2.5 million liter saltwater tank, the “Dolphin Habitat”. Among the experiences, you can visit the underwater observation station and watch an exciting video of the birth of two dolphins in the park, as well as packages (for a fee) that include visitors taking part in exclusive training with them.
Warning
The hours for those wishing to do activities with the dolphins are from 11:00 to 15:15. Remember that the moment will be guided by at least one member of the coaching team.
For both entry and participation in activities, the rule is that children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, otherwise entry is not permitted.
Mandatory stop
For those who want to perpetuate the moment by taking home a souvenir of the place, at the end of the tour a souvenir store is ready to welcome tourists with plush toys of the animals seen, as well as toys, accessories and t-shirts with a wild theme.
Cusiosities
-The full name of the place is “Siegfried and Roy Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat”. Yes, a lot! But part of this name pays homage to the creators of the idea of this oasis of preservation, the Germans, Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn, known as Siegfried & Roy. For years, the pair have been working on projects to help save endangered animals, especially white tigers and lions.
-The duet was mainly known for their performances with lions and white tigers at the Mirage hotel itself. The “contemporary magicians” became established artists in Vegas, being one of the most requested attractions in the city at the end of the 90s.
– On October 3, 2003, during a concert at the Mirage, Roy Horn was bitten on the neck by a seven-year-old white tiger called Mantecore. The artist was rushed, seriously injured, to hospital and quickly underwent surgery. After three years of rehabilitation, in 2006 Roy was able to walk and talk again with the help of aids.
-Even after the attack, Roy made a point of saying that his love for the kitten remained the same. And he demanded that no punishment or corrective action be applied to the feline.
– And indeed the tiger lived a long and healthy life. It wasn’t until March 19, 2014, that Montecore died at the age of 17 after a rapid illness struck him down and led to his death.
Stories
Legend of the White Lion
The people of South Africa had religious beliefs related to this feline. It was associated with prosperity and abundance, and its presence was considered a divine gift of good omens. They were also venerated by the local people, who believed that their white color was a sign of the benevolence that should exist within all living beings.
Facts and legends about the White Tiger
Still present in south-east Asia and central and southern India, the white Bengal Tiger is almost gone. Nowadays, most of them live in zoos or special wildlife parks so that the species doesn’t die out.
One of the reasons for this decline is precisely their color. Because they are very light in tropical forests, their lack of camouflage makes them easier prey.
In the kingdom of Assam (in the east of the Indian country), there was a belief that if someone spotted a white tiger they would soon die. This is a belief that remains there to this day.
Timetable:
Open every day from 11am to 5pm.
Please note that the last entry is at 4pm.
Address:
3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
NV 89109, United States
Vegas Brazil service:
Don’t hesitate to contact us!(contato@vegasbrazil.com)
Photo: Disclosure/Internet
Text: Alice Camargo
