Not anymore, we're happy to report. Our relief comes in light of the prolonged negative publicity that the former facility garnered, from the public and inspectors alike. We just hope that its former occupants are now all housed somewhere more able to care for their needs.
The Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park, known colloquially as Las Vegas Zoo, was a 3-acre nonprofit located about 15 minutes' drive northwest of the Strip, and was allegedly primarily intended to be an educational facility, similar to the Springs Preserve. The zoo was home to an array of species including African lion, Eurasian lynx, cougar, wallabies, chimpanzees, the last family of Barbary Apes in the U.S., North American river otter, parrot, ostrich, eagle, vulture, flamingo, and even a collection of fossas (carnivorous mammals unique to Madagascar that are something like a cross between a large cat and a ferret). But while some visitors seemed to find the setting quaint and homely, many reviews reported cramped insanitary conditions and miserable-looking animals, with the situation seeming to worsen over time as the economy tanked.
Back in 2009, local investigative reporters, backed by the Humane Society of America, had reported on "conditions that were too hot, too dirty, too small and overrun by pigeons and flies," describing Las Vegas Zoo as a "depressing, sad place." While the facility had somehow continued to pass subsequent inspections by the USDA, reports from concerned visitors seemed only to increase and the zoo, which was privately owned, continued to suffer from chronic underfunding and staff turnover/leakage. Finally, back at the end of September 2013, the local "FOX News affiliate" reported a notice at the entrance euphemistically reading: "The zoo is closed to the public while we upgrade." Zoo Director Pat Dingle was essentially given an ultimatum by federal officials and agreed to formally close the zoo, where there were fears about how often the animals were being fed, if at all.
Following the abrupt closure, suitable homes were sought for those remaining inhabitants, while those on loan were returned to their long-term homes, and that was the end of the sorry tale of the Las Vegas zoo. Other instances of exotic-animal neglect in the state or inadequate housing conditions and security issus have also led to a tightenin,g in recent years, of the law with regard to eligibility and the requirements for privately owning exotics.
Those who are looking for some wildlife-viewing opportunities in and around Las Vegas still have options, however, including: the Lion Habitat Ranch, which is home to around 40 lions on an 8.5-acre facility about 12 miles south from the Strip; Las Vegas Springs Preserve, where you can see a variety of desert reptiles and native small mammals; Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef, which has a petting pool and other creatures in addition to the headlining sharks; plus, look out for events attended by Roos-N-More, a nonprofit privately-owned exotic animal sanctuary in Moapa Town. Licensing regulations currently prevent this menagerie, which features an exotic lineup of some 150+ beasts, including camels, lemurs, sloths, reptiles, porcupines, miniature donkey, pot bellied pig, kangaroo, wallabies, monkeys, otters, an armadillo, and more, many of which can be petted; however, they do attend public events, including the recent Harvest Festival at Tivoli Village, so sign up for newsletters/follow their social media for a heads-up regarding upcoming appearances.
