ZooNevada, US

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat was a wondrous escape into a world of exotic wildlife.

About

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat was a wondrous escape into a world of exotic wildlife. Formerly nestled behind The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, this enchanting habitat transported visitors from the desert heat into a tropical oasis where extraordinary animals resided. The attraction seamlessly blended education with entertainment, inviting guests to marvel at some of the planet's most magnificent creatures.Visitors would first enter the 2.5-million-gallon Dolphin Habitat, a serene environment designed to replicate the natural ocean floor with four interconnected pools, an artificial coral reef, and sandy bottoms. Here, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, many of them born at the facility, charmed onlookers with their playful antics and intelligent behavior. Moving deeper, the Secret Garden unfolded, a lush expanse shaded by palm trees, showcasing the legendary duo's magnificent big cats.The Secret Garden was particularly renowned for its rare white tigers and white lions, creatures of stunning beauty with their distinctive fur and striking blue eyes. Leopards were also among the impressive felines that guests could observe up close in their carefully designed enclosures. The experience offered a rare glimpse into the lives of these powerful predators, making it a memorable highlight for those seeking a touch of the wild amidst the glamor of Las Vegas. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat opened in 1990, becoming an integral part of The Mirage Hotel & Casino's allure. It was the brainchild of legendary magicians Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn, who dedicated years to the conservation of endangered animals, especially white tigers and lions, which were central to their famous magic act. The habitat served as a home for many of their performing animals and continued to house a variety of big cats and dolphins long after their stage show at The Mirage ended in 2003, following a severe injury to Roy Horn during a performance.The venue operated for over three decades, educating the public about marine mammals and exotic felines. However, in November 2022, The Mirage Hotel & Casino was sold to Hard Rock International. As part of Hard Rock's plans to redevelop the property and construct a guitar-shaped hotel, the decision was made to permanently close the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. This closure was also influenced by a series of dolphin deaths at the habitat in the months leading up to the announcement, prompting concerns from animal welfare advocates. The remaining animals were subsequently relocated to accredited sanctuaries and facilities to ensure their continued care.

What to do here

Visitors could observe the dolphins swimming and playing, watch daily presentations, and walk through the lush Secret Garden to view the various big cat species. The jungle-themed music and tropical foliage enhanced the immersive experience.

Seasonal info

In Las Vegas's hot summers, early morning visits were preferable. During cooler seasons, animal activity might have been more consistent throughout the day. Special events were occasionally held, but routine seasonal programming was not a primary feature.

Accessibility

The facility featured paved pathways and was generally wheelchair-accessible, allowing all guests to navigate the exhibits comfortably.

Don't miss

The captivating Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and the magnificent big cats, including white tigers, white lions, and leopards.

The Dolphin Habitat also offered interactive programs like 'Trainer for a Day,' which allowed guests to engage more closely with the dolphins.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Leopard

Domestic Cat

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

Loading map…

Good to know before you go

Arrive early to avoid crowds and see animals during their most active periods.

Bring a good camera to capture the stunning white tigers, white lions, and playful dolphins.

Wear comfortable shoes as you would walk through the garden and habitat.

Consider the "Trainer for a Day" program at the Dolphin Habitat for a more immersive and interactive experience, if available.

Look for educational presentations or feeding times for the dolphins to gain more insight into their behaviors.

Frequently asked questions

: No, Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage permanently closed in November 2022.
: The closure was primarily due to the sale of The Mirage to Hard Rock International, which plans extensive redevelopment of the property, including replacing the habitat with a guitar-shaped hotel. The decision also followed a series of dolphin deaths at the facility, which raised animal welfare concerns.
: The animals, including the big cats (white tigers, white lions, and leopards) and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, were relocated to accredited sanctuaries and other zoological facilities. For example, many of the big cats were moved to WildCat Ridge Sanctuary in Oregon and In-Sync Exotics in Texas, while some dolphins were returned to SeaWorld San Diego.