Feb 12
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What’s my Vegas style? I’m often on the prowl for a little wildlife on the Strip. That’s “wildlife,” not “wild life” like the rest of you party animals. I love animals, and I’m also always on the lookout for quiet, restful spots where I can relax and get away from all the sensory stimulation of people and casinos on the Strip. One such place that fits both bills is the Wildlife Habitat, which is appropriately located at the Flamingo Resort and Casino. Why is this appropriate? Because the stars of this attraction are the pink flamingos. You can also see swans, ducks, koi fish and turtles. They used to have penguins, too, believe it or not. I’m guessing the penguins weren’t overly fond of the desert climate.
Flamingos at The Flamingo
While you’re there checking out the flamingos and other wildlife, take a walk around the grounds. The Flamingo has among the most beautiful, lush, tropical landscaping in Las Vegas. You’ll see waterfalls here and lots of palm trees.There’s also a plaque and bust tribute to the hotel’s original founder, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, on the grounds.
Waterfall at the Flamingo
So remember, if you’re looking for the “wildlife” as opposed to “wild life” on the Strip, don’t forget about the Flamingo.
I love the habitat at the Flamingo. I stayed there my first trip to Vegas. At first I thought the penguins were a little out of their element. If I remember correctly, they were a warm weather species of penguin.
Hmm…then I wonder why they got rid of them? I hear you, though, because I just saw some penguins today here in Hawaii. They seemed happy enough.
I’d love to see the flamingoes!! I can’t believe I never have…
Hey Gray, hope Youre enjoying Your time on our lovely island!!
You should sometime, Abby. I totally understand though. There are things in Vermont I haven’t seen, too.
Hi, Oahugirl! I’m having a great time. Your island is beautiful.
Every time you post a new article I find another thing to add to my to do list. I was thinking 5 full days would be too much for Vegas but it might not be enough. Though I don’t plan on any gambling so I need something else to do besides shop and eat lol.
Good, Glendon! I aim to keep you busy in Las Vegas. LOL.
I have a hotel dilemma for you Gray, MGM or the Signature at MGM?? I am a non smoker and I don’t gamble. I’ll be going solo (obviously) and just concerned about the walk from the strip down Harmon to the Signature at night. Any thoughts??
I’d go with the Signature. You can actually walk through the MGM to get to and from the Signature, so you don’t need to walk outside at night. Of course, then you’re walking through the MGM casino, which can be smoky. But still, if you’re trying to avoid smoke, Signature would be better than MGM.
Thanks Gray. I can def deal with walking through the smoke at the end as opposed to actually staying in it.
You’re very welcome.
The penguins at the Flamingo were moved to the Dallas Zoo. It was at the time Caesars/Harrah’s were starting ot think of new ways to get rid of the “free” attractions and put in rented kiosks and such. But the flack-back on the penguins changed their mind.
As for MGM or Signature? Signature all the way. You can access them from several points and not bother with the casino. Enjoy what was supposed to be high dollar condo’s at a hotel price.
Thanks for the info, Mark! I half expect all the free attractions in Vegas to go away at some point, since the corporations that run the casinos seem to want to monetize every little thing they do. I hope that doesn’t happen, though. It would really ruin the experience of going to Vegas for some of us.
The casinos are starting (by that I mean over the last 3 or 4 yrs) to realize that people want to be more entertained than just sitting in front of a slot machine or a gaming table. So, I agree, free things will disappear , most recently the Lion Habitat at the MGM disappeared. This is just Vegas reinventing Vegas.
Especially if you are like me and don’t enjoy sitting by a pool or staring at the walls of your hotel room while in this great city.
The wildlife habitat is a nice place to keep yourself busy during an afternoon before enjoying that other wild life that Gray spoke about.
See, that’s the thing, Craig. There’s only so much I can take of sitting by a pool or in front of a slot machine. But I also don’t want to have to pay for every single thing I do all day long. Viva la free attractions!
I agree