Things to do / Travel Guide
While it's true most flora you see in Las Vegas is either vinyl or clearly man-made and arranged, there are some fantastic options in the area for nature lovers. Below, you'll find a list and description of a few of these choices.
Across the lobby from the front desk of the Bellagio Hotel, there is an opening through which a glass ceiling rises up 50 feet. Here, visitors will find one of the most spectacular conservatories found anywhere in the world. The ceiling beams and framing are made of sculpted green oxidized copper, known as Verde; it is embossed in floral patterns throughout the conservatory.
The dazzling giant atrium and the scent of spring will make you forget that you are in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Bellagio offers patrons an opportunity to meander through the seasons and witness the cacophony of colors that only Las Vegas can create.
While the MGM Grand is famous for its giant lion statue at the main entrance, inside you will find a real-life lion exhibit, in the form of the MGM Grand Lion Habitat. The habitat is supervised by Keith Evans, a noted feline trainer and conservationist who also owns the animals himself. The lions live on a ranch on the outskirts of Las Vegas and are rotated through the exhibit on a daily basis. As the habitat's stated goal is to “honor the lion, and safeguard its preservation for future generations,” a portion of the proceeds from the site are used to help fund lion conservation projects in the wild.
The Dolphin Habitat is supervised and operated by the Mirage Hotel, also on the Strip. This beautiful waterscape is home to several species of dolphin. The marine habitat will make you appreciate these intelligent, beautiful, and cute creatures. The site is open daily from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Another great stop is the Tropics Lounge at the Tropicana Hotel. Three times a day (except Thursdays) animal trainer Tiana Carroll's birds perform tricks like singing duets, flying through hoops, riding bicycles, and dancing. These colorful and entertaining birds even know how to juggle upside-down!
Away from the Strip, if you take a scenic drive in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, you might catch sight of some unique flora and animals like bobcats, desert bighorn sheep, wild burros, and gray foxes.
Nature Spots in Las Vegas, Lake Mead and the Nevada desert
Nature-Wildlife
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