MGM Grand Lion Habitat

Nestled in the heart of the MGM Grand, the lions of this Las Vegas resort are clearly the kings of this neon jungle.

Separated from the lions by only one and a half inches of glass, visitors can watch as these majestic creatures feed, play, groom themselves and sleep. Informational placards are strung along the glass wall outside the exhibit, offering interesting facts about the lions. For example, did you know that lions sleep an average of 18 to 20 hours a day? And did you also know that, as adults, lions reach 8 feet in length and can weigh more than 500 pounds?

When they're not on display, the lions live on an 8.5-acre ranch located 12 miles from the MGM Grand. They are cared for by exotic animal trainer and conservationist Keith Evans. The lions are bathed and blown dry before being transported in a specially designed van to the MGM Grand each day.

Rotated in and out of the exhibit throughout the day, the lions are kept in the habitat for only six hours at a time. Generally, only a few lions will be on display at any given time, but there are 31 in all -- 20 females and 11 males.

However, some of the lions are no longer permitted to visit the habitat after they gave trainers a hard time about returning to the ranch. Seems they like it so much in the habitat, sometimes they don't want to leave.

Trainers give presentations regularly, but the frequency of the presentations depends largely on the activity level of the large felines. If you are lucky, you can catch the trainers hand-feeding the lions or participating in some playtime.

As you exit the habitat, you'll pass through the retail shop. Here you'll have the chance to pick up a wide range of lion-themed items, from stuffed animals and magnets to a variety of books.

-- Review by Noelani Jones