MGM Grand Lion Habitat

One of the best free tourist attractions in Las Vegas for animal-lovers

*****Please note this attraction has now closed*****

MGM Grand Lion Habitat Opening Hours: 11am - 7pm
Cost: Free
Location: MGM Grand Hotel Vegas
For further information call: 702-891-1111

We stumbled across the Lion Habitat when we were exploring the MGM Grand Hotel in Vegas on our first visit. It was definitely not what we expected to find in the middle of a hotel in the desert city! (Other animal attractions worth visiting along the Strip are: Flamingo Habitat at the Flamingo hotel casino in Las Vegas; Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay hotel; Secret Garden Las Vegas at the Mirage.)

The MGM Grand lion habitat is unique and really worth a visit - not only because it's free of charge.

Image of the Lion Habitat sign

History

The MGM film studio has a long history with the lion; its mascot being Leo the Lion who appears in the famous logo.

Image of Lion mascot at MGM Grand Hotel Vegas

What's it like at the Lion Habitat?

We've been to the MGM Grand Lion Habitat several times because it's always different. The first time we visited the three lions were asleep but we had better luck the next time. As the Habitat's quite a popular attraction it can get quite busy. If you can stand beneath the clear walkway (pictured below) do so as you get a good view of the lions from here.

The cost of visiting all the great attractions Las Vegas has to offer can really add to the cost of your trip. To help keep costs down we usually get a Las Vegas Power Pass

With it you’ll have access to over 20 attractions, tours, rides etc. The Power Pass is worth more than $500 in admissions and discounts.

Image of the MGM Grand Lion Habitat

Clear Walkway at the Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand Las Vegas NV

Sometimes you're able to watch as these magnificent creatures stroll about over your head or watch the trainers playing with them. On our most recent visit they were fairly sleepy as you can see in the pictures.

Image of Lion at the MGM Grand Lion Habitat

When's the best time to visit the Habitat?

Over the years we've learned that if you arrive at the Habitat for 11am, when it opens, you'll stand a better chance of avoiding the crowds. It all depends on where you're based on the Strip and what else you've got planned for the day.

Where do the lions live?

If you feel at all concerned that the lions are being kept in cramped conditions don't worry. The lions are owned and looked after by feline behaviour expert, Keith Evans who had a big part in the creation of the Habitat which opened in 1999. The lions actually live on a spacious ranch 12 miles from the MGM Grand Hotel in Vegas and different groups are brought in every day.

Souvenirs

The Lion Habitat’s open daily from 11am until 7pm and best of all it’s free of charge. Visit the adjacent gift shop for lion souvenirs. We find a trip to the Habitat ties in well with a meal at the Rainforest Cafe, which is nearby - (see below.)