FAQ

Employee discounts offered to casino or hotel employees apply only to the individual employee and cannot be extended to others in their group. The Lion Habitat Ranch is not responsible for any incorrect or misleading information provided by a casino or hotel. If you encounter inaccurate advertising regarding employee discounts, please contact your casino or hotel’s administrative staff directly.

General Admission: You can purchase tickets in advance online or at our ticket booth on the day of your visit. Walk-ins are always welcome during general admission. Birthday admission and casino worker discounts can only be redeemed at our ticket booth on the day of your visit and cannot be purchased online in advance. Birthday admission not redeemable once admission is purchased online.

Behind the Scenes Tours: Must be booked online at least 48 hours in advance.

• Get to know our gregarious parrots during one of our keeper led bird chats!
• Join our Tortoise Encounter for an unforgettable interactive learning experience, feeding session, and photo opportunity with these gentle reptiles—perfect for ages 8 and up! This experience can only be booked in our gift shop on the day of your visit.
• Get up close with a king or queen of the savannah during a lion feeding at a cost of $100 per person per pound of food, $150 for 2 persons splitting the food supply. (Please be advised that due to federal laws and regulations, that there is no direct contact with the lion).

We offer various general admission discounts for locals, seniors, military, fire, police, casino workers (MGM properties, Wynn, M Resort), and college students. Tickets are normally $25 for an adult, and each adult admission includes one child 14 or under for free in addition to all children under the age of 4 with the purchase of adult admission. Additionally, enjoy one free birthday admission during the month of your birthday with a valid ID. Birthday admission and casino worker discounts can only be redeemed at our ticket booth on the day of your visit and cannot be purchased online in advance. Birthday admission not redeemable once admission is purchased online.

We accept cash, card (must have a chip or tap), and contactless payment. For credit card purchases over $50, ID verification is required.

Lion Habitat Ranch is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means we rely entirely on the support of our community, supporters, and visitors to care for our animals and maintain our facility.

Do you receive any state or federal funding?
No. We do not receive any state or federal funding of any kind. All of our operating costs—including food, specialized diets, veterinary care, habitat maintenance, utilities, and enrichment—are covered through the support we generate ourselves.

Where does your funding come from?
Our funding comes from four main sources:

1. Admissions
   Every ticket purchased directly supports daily animal care, habitat upkeep, and educational programming.
2. Donations
   We rely heavily on donations from visitors, supporters, and community partners. These contributions help us provide high‑quality care and continue our conservation‑focused mission.
3. Grants
   We apply for competitive grants to help fund specific programs. Such as covering field trip admission for Title I schools or improving animal habitats. Since many nonprofits compete for the same grants, these funds are limited and never guaranteed.
4. Gift Shop & Product Sales
   Purchases made in our gift shop or through special events help support our animals and operations.

Why don’t you offer free admission like some other facilities?
Some larger zoos and facilities receive government funding, major endowments, or municipal support, which allows them to offer free or reduced admission. As a privately funded nonprofit, we must rely on the revenue we generate to provide the high standard of care our animals deserve.

How can I support Lion Habitat Ranch?
There are many ways to help:

• Visit the Ranch
• Make a donation
• Sponsor an animal
• Shop in our gift shop
• Share our mission with others
• Like, comment on, and share our social media posts
  Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue caring for our animal family and educating the community about wildlife conservation.

Each adult general admission includes one child 14 or under for free in addition to all children under the age of 4 being free with the purchase of adult admission. Additional children are $8 for locals and $10 for nonlocals.

At this time, we do not have wheelchairs, scooters, wagons, or strollers available for rent.

Absolutely! We have refreshments, snacks, toys, and other merchandise available in our gift shop. As a non-profit all proceeds go directly back into the care of our animals.

We have a Behind the Scenes tour once a day Thursday through Tuesday at 8:30am for our summer hours and 9:30am for our winter hours. The Behind the Scenes tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and gives you access to the ranch before we open to the public. Book your Behind the Scenes Tour now Behind the Scenes Tour – The Lion Habitat Ranch .

• Get to know our gregarious parrots during one of our keeper led bird chats!
• Join our Tortoise Encounter for an unforgettable interactive learning experience, feeding session, and photo opportunity with these gentle reptiles—perfect for ages 8 and up! This experience can only be booked in our gift shop on the day of your visit.
• Get up close with a king or queen of the savannah during a lion feeding at a cost of $100 per person per pound of food, $150 for 2 persons splitting the food supply. (Please be advised that due to federal laws and regulations, that there is no direct contact with the lion).

Guests may bring their own food and drinks, although glass items, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. There are no facilities available for food or cooler storage. We also have drinks and snacks available for sale in our ticket booth and gift shop.

Is parking available at Lion Habitat Ranch?
Yes! We offer free on-site parking for all guests.
Where should I park?
Please park in our designated Lion Habitat Ranch parking lot. This helps ensure your vehicle avoids the risk of being towed.
Can I leave my car overnight or for an extended period?
No—parking is for the duration of your visit only. We do not allow long-term or overnight parking.
Why is parking restricted to the visit only?
To maintain safety and accessibility, our lot is reserved exclusively for guests during their visit.

Thank you for helping us keep parking safe and accessible for everyone!

Due to the direct threat of safety, service and support animals are not allowed on property. For additional information, please visit Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA | ADA.gov. https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/#exclusion-of-service-animals

Yes.

We do not allow weapons on property per NRS 207.200.

We are an outdoor facility. We do have shaded, misted, and an indoor gift shop area to get away from the heat for the summer. In the winter we do have portable heaters placed around the property for places to get warm. Please dress appropriately for the weather. We also have some umbrellas available to borrow for your visit. There is no cost to borrow the umbrellas, as long as they are not all out in use by other guests and we just ask to hold an ID until the umbrella is returned.

Yes.

For the safety of our animals and our guests, we do not allow bikes, skates, skateboards, hoverboards or Segways. Children with disabilities may ride scooters for transportation.

Employee discounts offered to casino or hotel employees apply only to the individual employee and cannot be extended to others in their group. The Lion Habitat Ranch is not responsible for any incorrect or misleading information provided by a casino or hotel. If you encounter inaccurate advertising regarding employee discounts, please contact your casino or hotel’s administrative staff directly.

As an outdoor experience we occasionally need to close due to rain. We may need an additional day after a larger rainstorm to recover and clean all the pathways for our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience. Check current weather here.

We don’t have giraffes on property right now. We still invite you to meet the rest of our amazing animal family! From the majestic lions to the colorful parrots, the curious ostriches, the silly emus, and the wise tortoises, there’s so much to discover and learn. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!

Please be advised: The Lion Habitat Ranch family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ozzie, our cherished giraffe, on August 1st, 2024. Ozzie’s sudden passing has left us all in shock and disbelief, as he was not just an animal under our care but a beloved member of our community by both children and adults, as well as being a part of our animal family.
The tragic incident occurred during the night when Ozzie became startled by an unknown factor (possibly from an insect bite or something on the ground under him) and he attempted to rise faster than usual. This caused him to lose his footing in the process and fall into a splay position—a condition where an animal’s legs go out from under them unnaturally. Despite our dedicated care staff’s tireless efforts, Ozzie’s splay was life-threatening, and he ultimately passed away due to the injuries to his leg and the strain of attempting to rise. Animal Control did come out and observe that there were no violations.
Our team provided around-the-clock care, offering nourishments, hydration, and medications as prescribed by the veterinary team. We encouraged him to remain calm and rest, hoping he would regain his strength to be able to stand once again. Our on-site veterinarian and consultations with experts from out of state ensured that Ozzie received the best possible care during this critical time.
In memory of Ozzie, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shared their kind words, support, and love. Your compassion has touched us deeply. We are profoundly moved by the hundreds of photos and videos shared with us, capturing the extraordinary joy Ozzie brought to everyone he met.
________________________________
Supporting Our Team
The loss of Ozzie has had a profound impact on our staff. We recognize the emotional toll it takes, and we are committed to supporting our team during this difficult period. We are collaborating with GRAZE (Growing Resilience for Aquarium and Zoo Employees) to provide the necessary resources and counseling for our dedicated care team.
Ozzie’s legacy will forever remain in our hearts, and we appreciate the outpouring of sympathy from our community. Together, we honor his memory and continue our mission to care for and protect the remarkable animals at the Lion Habitat Ranch.
______________________________
About Lion Habitat Ranch:
The Lion Habitat Ranch is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and education of big cats as well as giraffes. Our mission is to create a safe and enriching environment for these majestic animals while educating our guests and followers about their vital role in our ecosystem.

• Get to know our gregarious parrots during one of our keeper led bird chats!
• Join our Tortoise Encounter for an unforgettable interactive learning experience, feeding session, and photo opportunity with these gentle reptiles—perfect for ages 8 and up! This experience can only be booked in our gift shop on the day of your visit.
• Get up close with a king or queen of the savannah during a lion feeding at a cost of $100 per person per pound of food, $150 for 2 persons splitting the food supply. (Please be advised that due to federal laws and regulations, that there is no direct contact with the lion).

We accept cash, card (must have a chip or tap), and contactless payment. For credit card purchases over $50, ID verification is required.

Interested in private transportation to the Lion Habitat Ranch? Book a Las Vegas Charter Bus from our partners at CharterUP. 

Lion Habitat Ranch is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means we rely entirely on the support of our community, supporters, and visitors to care for our animals and maintain our facility.

Do you receive any state or federal funding?
No. We do not receive any state or federal funding of any kind. All of our operating costs—including food, specialized diets, veterinary care, habitat maintenance, utilities, and enrichment—are covered through the support we generate ourselves.

Where does your funding come from?
Our funding comes from four main sources:

1. Admissions
   Every ticket purchased directly supports daily animal care, habitat upkeep, and educational programming.
2. Donations
   We rely heavily on donations from visitors, supporters, and community partners. These contributions help us provide high‑quality care and continue our conservation‑focused mission.
3. Grants
   We apply for competitive grants to help fund specific programs. Such as covering field trip admission for Title I schools or improving animal habitats. Since many nonprofits compete for the same grants, these funds are limited and never guaranteed.
4. Gift Shop & Product Sales
   Purchases made in our gift shop or through special events help support our animals and operations.

Why don’t you offer free admission like some other facilities?
Some larger zoos and facilities receive government funding, major endowments, or municipal support, which allows them to offer free or reduced admission. As a privately funded nonprofit, we must rely on the revenue we generate to provide the high standard of care our animals deserve.

How can I support Lion Habitat Ranch?
There are many ways to help:

• Visit the Ranch
• Make a donation
• Sponsor an animal
• Shop in our gift shop
• Share our mission with others
• Like, comment on, and share our social media posts
  Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue caring for our animal family and educating the community about wildlife conservation.

At the Lion Habitat Ranch, you don’t have to walk for miles. You can experience the full park In less than half a mile! Additionally we have seating throughout the property if you do want to sit down for a bit.

We prefer to limit in-and-outs, but you may return inside as long as you have your wristband on for re-entry.

Is parking available at Lion Habitat Ranch?
Yes! We offer free on-site parking for all guests.
Where should I park?
Please park in our designated Lion Habitat Ranch parking lot. This helps ensure your vehicle avoids the risk of being towed.
Can I leave my car overnight or for an extended period?
No—parking is for the duration of your visit only. We do not allow long-term or overnight parking.
Why is parking restricted to the visit only?
To maintain safety and accessibility, our lot is reserved exclusively for guests during their visit.

Thank you for helping us keep parking safe and accessible for everyone!

Our winter hours are from 11am-3pm, last admission 2pm and our summer hours are 10am-2pm, last admission 1pm.

We are open from Thursday through Monday. We are closed to the public Tuesday and Wednesday.

On the day of your visit, remember to dress for the weather, and if you made reservations online please bring the credit card you purchased your tickets with in addition to a government issued ID.

To reduce exposure to secondhand smoke to our guests, animals and staff and ensure a good experience for all guests, smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the ranch. Guests may smoke only in designated areas, which are located more than 25 feet from entry gates. Wristbands will be provided to ensure easy re-entry. Should you observe a guest smoking, please report it to a zoo employee, and we’ll address the situation.

We are located at 382 Bruner Avenue, Henderson, NV 89044 near the M Resort off of St. Rose and Bermuda.

Masks are optional to wear.

Yes.

Yes, you can rent our space for birthday parties, weddings, meetings, and more! We have two spaces available for events. If you are interested in hosting your event with us, please fill out the form that works best for your event.

Courtyard Event Request  For small to large events, up to 150 people

Feast with the Beasts Request For intimate gatherings of up to 20 people

We offer educational in-person field trips from 9am-10am during summer hours and from 10am-11am during winter hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This is a guided field trip with one of our knowledgeable keepers to learn about our lions, parrots, ostriches, emus, and tortoises (dependent on weather). Field trips that come out on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays do have the option to stay after the field trip and explore the ranch more or even bring packed lunches to eat at our picnic tables. Pricing for field trips is $5 per student, and if you would like to add on popsicles for the field trip it would be $6 per student. For every 20 students in the group, 2 adults are included for free. Additional adults are $20 each. Children over the age of 14 are the same price as adults. There is no deposit required when booking field trips, but we do ask if you have to cancel a scheduled date to let us know as soon as possible. This way we can open that date for others booking field trips. If you are interested in booking a field trip, please fill out this Field Trip Request Form

For group field trip transportation, keep your students comfortable with one of our transportation partners like GOGO Charters or National Charter Bus. They both provide climate-controlled options for many different sized groups.

For our virtual field trip option, fill out our request form Virtual Field Trip Request Form

For our on-site keeper visit option, fill out our request form On-Site Keeper Visit: Bringing Wildlife Education to You

*Please note that we are unable to schedule in‑person field trips, virtual field trips, or on‑site keeper visits over the phone; a request form is required for all program types. *

To book an event or for more information, please fill out this form: Courtyard Event Request

We offer educational in-person field trips from 9am-10am during summer hours and from 10am-11am during winter hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This is a guided field trip with one of our knowledgeable keepers to learn about our lions, parrots, ostriches, emus, and tortoises (dependent on weather). Field trips that come out on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays do have the option to stay after the field trip and explore the ranch more or even bring packed lunches to eat at our picnic tables. Pricing for field trips is $5 per student, and if you would like to add on popsicles for the field trip it would be $6 per student. For every 20 students in the group, 2 adults are included for free. Additional adults are $20 each. Children over the age of 14 are the same price as adults. There is no deposit required when booking field trips, but we do ask if you have to cancel a scheduled date to let us know as soon as possible. This way we can open that date for others booking field trips. If you are interested in booking a field trip, please fill out this Field Trip Request Form

For group field trip transportation, keep your students comfortable with one of our transportation partners like GOGO Charters or National Charter Bus. They both provide climate-controlled options for many different sized groups.

For our virtual field trip option, fill out our request form Virtual Field Trip Request Form

For our on-site keeper visit option, fill out our request form On-Site Keeper Visit: Bringing Wildlife Education to You

*Please note that we are unable to schedule in‑person field trips, virtual field trips, or on‑site keeper visits over the phone; a request form is required for all program types. *

At this time, we do not offer off-site animal programs. We do offer for one of our knowledgeable keepers to go off site talk about what it takes to become a keeper and/or about the Lion Habitat Ranch. Our keeper will also bring some educational biofacts off site with them. To learn more or schedule an On-Site Keeper Visit click here.

*Please note that we are unable to schedule in‑person field trips, virtual field trips, or on‑site keeper visits over the phone; a request form is required for all program types. *

In addition to in-person field trips, we also have virtual field trips available. We have both pre-recorded and live virtual field trip options. If you are interested in scheduling a virtual field trip, please fill out this Virtual Field Trip Request Form. Our live virtual field trips are $150 per program. Once you have selected the date and have completed the booking for your virtual field trip, we will reach out to you to finalize the details on time as well as the streaming platform for the virtual field trip. If you are interested in our pre-recorded field trips, check out these links below. Pre-recorded virtual field trip: Conservation Pre-recorded virtual field trip: Zookeeper Career Day

*Please note that we are unable to schedule in‑person field trips, virtual field trips, or on‑site keeper visits over the phone; a request form is required for all program types. *

No—our lions are obligate carnivores and receive a full meat-based diet tailored to their nutritional needs. Items like lettuce, herbs, or scents are used purely for sensory enrichment.

While our parrots are housed safely, they are given opportunities for wing flapping, climbing, and movement through perches and play structures. We also offer them the chance to come out of their enclosures to engage directly with our keepers. Sometimes they enthusiastically participate—and sometimes they choose to stay in their housing. That’s perfectly okay! Respecting choice is a key part of our animal care philosophy, and we always prioritize the comfort and autonomy of each individual bird.

At Lion Habitat Ranch, every animal’s diet is species-specific and carefully tailored to their nutritional needs. All diets are approved by our attending veterinarian to ensure optimal health and well-being.

• Lions: Their food portions are customized based on each individual’s specific requirements, ensuring they receive the appropriate nutrients to thrive.
• Birds and Tortoises: Each species has a diet designed to match their natural feeding habits, providing a balanced mix of essential nutrients.

We take great care in providing balanced, veterinarian-approved meals that support the health of all our animal residents!

Our team works closely with our veterinarian to evaluate each species’ natural behaviors, preferences, and safety needs. Enrichment is rotated regularly and adjusted based on seasonal factors, health, and individual personalities.

Parrots are highly intelligent and social. We provide foraging toys, mirrors, musical stimuli, and training sessions to challenge their minds and encourage vocalization and interaction.

Tortoises may be slow, but they’re inquisitive! We offer varied terrain, edible enrichment like leafy greens, and objects to climb or push. These activities support physical health and natural foraging.

We ensure temperature control for our animals throughout the year, providing them with safe spaces for various weather conditions:

• Lions: Their denboxes are equipped with heat in the winter and swamp coolers in the summer to keep them comfortable.
• Parrots: Their denboxes have heat in colder months, and for the more temperature-sensitive birds, heat lamps are available outside their enclosures. Misters help keep all birds cool during the summer.
• Tortoises: In warm weather, they burrow to stay cool and enjoy mud wallows to regulate temperature. Their denboxes have heat in the winter to ensure they stay warm.
• Ostriches & Emus: These birds have denboxes to escape inclement weather and misters in the summer to help them stay cool.
• Shaded Areas: Every animal habitat has shaded spots, which shift throughout the day as the sun moves.

These measures help keep all of our animal’s comfortable no matter the season! Let us know if you have more questions about how we care for them.

Lion Habitat Ranch is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means we rely entirely on the support of our community, supporters, and visitors to care for our animals and maintain our facility.

Do you receive any state or federal funding?
No. We do not receive any state or federal funding of any kind. All of our operating costs—including food, specialized diets, veterinary care, habitat maintenance, utilities, and enrichment—are covered through the support we generate ourselves.

Where does your funding come from?
Our funding comes from four main sources:

1. Admissions
   Every ticket purchased directly supports daily animal care, habitat upkeep, and educational programming.
2. Donations
   We rely heavily on donations from visitors, supporters, and community partners. These contributions help us provide high‑quality care and continue our conservation‑focused mission.
3. Grants
   We apply for competitive grants to help fund specific programs. Such as covering field trip admission for Title I schools or improving animal habitats. Since many nonprofits compete for the same grants, these funds are limited and never guaranteed.
4. Gift Shop & Product Sales
   Purchases made in our gift shop or through special events help support our animals and operations.

Why don’t you offer free admission like some other facilities?
Some larger zoos and facilities receive government funding, major endowments, or municipal support, which allows them to offer free or reduced admission. As a privately funded nonprofit, we must rely on the revenue we generate to provide the high standard of care our animals deserve.

How can I support Lion Habitat Ranch?
There are many ways to help:

• Visit the Ranch
• Make a donation
• Sponsor an animal
• Shop in our gift shop
• Share our mission with others
• Like, comment on, and share our social media posts
  Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue caring for our animal family and educating the community about wildlife conservation.

Lion Habitat Ranch operates with permits from Clark County, licensing through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and accreditation from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). These credentials reflect our commitment to the highest standards of animal care and welfare. We take great pride in providing the best possible environment for our animal family.

These curious birds be a bit picky! Some individuals prefer food-based enrichment like ice, mealworms, or other tasty treats, while others enjoy playing with browse, hanging objects, or exploring varied substrates. We tailor enrichment to each bird’s preferences to encourage pecking, foraging, and natural behaviors—always keeping their comfort and curiosity in mind.

Enrichment refers to activities and items that stimulate animals mentally and physically, encouraging natural behaviors and reducing stress. It’s a vital part of animal welfare, helping our animal family stay curious, active, and engaged.

We rotate items like scents, physical toys designed for large animals, cardboard structures, and novel objects to encourage exploration, play, and natural hunting instincts. Our keepers also like to get a little silly and creative—don’t be surprised if you see them running around with pool noodles and streamers or kicking balls to spark our lions’ curiosity and engagement! These playful interactions help stimulate natural behaviors and build trust, all while keeping things fun for both animals and staff

Our animal family receives expert care from our dedicated veterinarian, ensuring their health and well-being throughout the year. Regular check-ups and preventive care further support their overall wellness. Alongside medical attention, our animal care staff provides daily monitoring, enrichment, and hands-on care to keep them happy and thriving.

That’s called the flehmen response! It’s a natural behavior where lions analyze scents using a specialized organ in the roof of their mouth. It’s a great sign they’re engaged and curious.