Las Vegas Under Glass

A March 2001 trip to Las Vegas by Kerry

Quote: The Las Vegas strip is a microcosm of the world in so many bizarre and funny ways that it seemed only too natural to find the world of nature exploited and reexamined in it’s own peculiar Vegas style.

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Las Vegas Under Glass

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Overview

Quote:

The main themes are divided into the worlds of big cats, and the world beneath the water. Las Vegas has an obsession with water, understandable perhaps for a town situated in the middle of the Mojave Desert. There are tropical fish and lush gardens replicated many places, as well as enormous fountains and water shows that erupt from the strip at regular intervals day and night. The big cats are symbolic of power and majesty, and the illusion of control is one that the casinos are eager to latch onto as the image of making water spring from the desert.Quick Tips: Allocate plenty of time to view the sights. They can often be crowded and full of large families that clog the viewing areas. The b...Read More

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Rainforest Cafe

Restaurant

Quote:

One of the best stops for a meal in Las Vegas the Cafe has lots going for it, not the least of which is one of the few completely smoke free dining spaces on the strip. The food and the portions have steadily increased over the time it's been in operation, while the staff is a mixed bag, though always polite. Go in early for breakfast and meet Cha-Cha the giant tree frog and get your photo taken!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 13, 2001

Rainforest Cafe
3799 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 891-8580

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Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium

Attraction | "Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay"

Quote:

This is a themed aquarium that has managed to combine the best of design with an informative environment and habitat. You begin by walking into a ruined temple that is slowly being reclaimed by the sea and descend through different levels of habitat. Starting with the tropical surface world of snakes and lizards, the animals grow in size as you descend ending with an enormous aquarium chock full with large sharks and modeled on the interior of a sunken pirate ship. One of the highlights is a waist high pool full of rays with their stingers clipped so that people can reach in a touch them and watch their behavior close up. The whole exhibit is well staffed with guides who monitor and explain the animal...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 13, 2001

Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(702) 632-7777

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Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand

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Attraction | "The Lions at MGM"

MGM Lions Photo - Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada

Quote:

This is a fantastic chance to get very close to the big cats in a fun, though a little bizarre setting. Encased 5/8 inch glass walls, this multi tiered habitat is well designed with faux rock cliffs, acacia trees and water. Several of the lions are supposed to be direct descendents of the original MGM lion that appeared and roared in the logo before the films started. The Lions are actually raised at a ranch some distance outside of town and are rotated daily, the new lions being washed, blow dried (Now there’s a job!) and brought into the facility each morning. The best watching time is when the keeping staff is in the enclosure playing with the cubs. They play like enormous house cats with giant yar...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 13, 2001

Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
+1 702 891 1111; +1

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Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Attraction | "Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden"

Quote:

The Royal white tigers are, aside from being the centerpiece of S&G’s spectacular magic act, a fascinating look at genetics. In association with several zoos around the world, the magicians have poured much of their enormous fortune into the care and preservation of these animals. The white lions and tigers are as beautiful and as rare as they come. Roy, the animal lover of the duo, is present at each birth and does much of the care and raising.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 13, 2001

Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Mirage Hotel, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 791-7188