Question of the Day — 7 Aug 2012

We contacted Keith Evans' facility via their website for an update, and here's what we heard back.

Yes, the Lion Habitat Ranch is open to visitors -- for a fee, and by appointment only. If you'd like to get up-close and personal with some real big cats, several packages are available to choose from:

• Trainer 4 a Day: For a base price of $800, you get to esperience a 3-4 hour "lion immersion program," which includes helping to prepare a lion's daily meal, then feed and water it, clean its cage, bathe the lion, and learn some basic training. The base price is $800, which includes a t-shirt, with additional expenses if you want a video or still photographer to capture your experience. You can bring a friend to observe for $100 (it's $600 if they want to do the whole "Trainer for a Day" experience).

• The Keeper 4 a Day program is the same as the Trainer 4 a Day program, except you don't get to hand feed a lion and you only watch the bathing and training, as opposed to being actively involved. This package starts at $400.

• Groups of 10 people or fewer can experience a private guided tour for $100 each (reduced to $75/person for groups of 11-20 people), which includes a Q & A session with a professional trainer.

All packages require a release form to be signed and returned in advance; the Trainer 4 a Day program release also needs to be notarized. Once the relevant release has been returned by email or fax, and the deposit has been paid and date confirmed, the facilty will send you a number to call at least two days prior to your to set up your tour time, based on the weather. The Lion Habitat Ranch is also available for private parties and special events -- use the form on their website to inquire. There's also a link for reordering photos taken when they were still at MGM Grand at the former Lion Habitat, if you happen to have mislaid yours or would just like some copies.