Grass is often an aesthetic preference for people, but it isn’t a welfare requirement for lions. In the wild, lions live on the savannah, which is made up of hard‑packed dirt, scattered shrubs, dry grasses, and rocky terrain. It’s a dry, open landscape and not the lush, lawn‑style grass many people imagine.
Our focus is always on providing the appropriate diet, enrichment, and care that support their natural behaviors and overall wellbeing. The terrain our lions live on is designed to reflect what they would naturally experience in their native ecosystem while meeting all of their behavioral and veterinary needs.
Do you have a summer camp at the Lion Habitat Ranch?
We do not offer a summer camp option at the Lion Habitat Ranch. At this time, we only have field trips available, and our field trip program is limited to school groups only.
Learn more about our field trips Educational Field Trips at the Lion Habitat Ranch – The Lion Habitat Ranch
How is Lion Habitat Ranch funded?
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:
- Admissions
Every ticket purchased directly supports daily animal care, habitat upkeep, and educational programming. - 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. - 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. - 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.
Do you have giraffes?
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.
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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.
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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.
Do casino or hotel employee discounts apply to my entire group, or just to me as the employee?
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.
Parking at the Lion Habitat Ranch
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!
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