So I found this place looking for something to do while I was in Las Vegas. I’ve wondered what happened to the MGM lions for some time now since they no longer have their exhibit. I was super excited to find they all retired to the Lion Habitat Ranch! And I do just love lions so this was a must see.
Back in the 80’s you could go to MGM and get a picture taken of yourself seemingly standing next to a lion. They were in a glass enclosure. I still remember this like it was yesterday standing in line waiting for my turn hoping the lion would notice me somehow, perhaps tip me a wink. Silly me. But it was super cool. Just wish I still had the picture it got lost somewhere over the years.
Let me just say I’m super impressed with how close the trainer John is to the lions! He is definitely one of the pride and they treat him as such. It was very obvious when he was in the enclosure with two female lions; Chilly and Pepper doing his presentation. One of the female lions in the presentation sat for him on command and later enjoyed her head being pet. She gazed at him with love in her eyes for sure. So comforting to see just how happy all of the lions are at this ranch.
We also got to see Ozzie the giraffe in action doing his painting. He is super friendly and out of all the times I’ve been to see the giraffe’s at the San Diego Zoo I’ve never seen one lick his trainer with affection like Ozzie did. Very cool!
Walking around viewing the lions they do have a few birds; Angelo and Millie the Macaw’s and Watson the African grey to name a few. Also they have guinea fowl, emus and ostrich’s. Plus the wild birds seem to love picking at the leftover lion food. All of the lions and birds have name plates on their enclosures including date of birth and are open for sponsoring.
Another trainer kept the lions interested by feeding them right through the chain link fence. This of course provides loads of picture opportunities and they answer all your questions while they are feeding them. I’m amazed at how close we were to the lions and how gentle they were during the feeding process and how laid back they were to all the people looking at them.
The only thing you’ve got to watch out for is the male lions spraying their urine. The trainers keep reminding you if they see one that looks like he might. Good thing cause I got out of the way just in time. But looking at where he sprayed it did not seem like a huge amount. The females of course do not do this, no big surprise there.
The lions all get swamp coolers when it’s hot and heat pads when its cold in their sleeping areas. Their body language portrays happiness and contentment. Many times while we were there one lion would start in on vocalizing, then another would chime in and so on. It’s very surreal to hear them chuff and call out to another.
They do accept volunteers. Wished I lived way closer I would definitely do it! https://lionhabitatranch.org
Cool lion photos! Good job finding this place!
They are very photogenic! We will have to go again sometime.