Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park

Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park
1775 N. Rancho
Las Vegas, NV 89106

Sometimes the best things come in small packages. That is obviously the case with the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park.

Just down from Texas Station, the three acre zoo is home to more than 200 species of plants and animals. Just because this zoo is home to a smaller number of animals than normal zoos, that doesn't mean that these animals should be overlooked. The zoo is home to the largest collection of swap wallabies and Barbary apes in the country.

As is the case with smaller zoos, there is a focus on bringing on new animals on a consistent basis and the botanical park never fails. The zoo has recently brought in an Indo-Chinese tiger, one of only 70 in the world. Viewers can also check out several Canadian river otters in the 2,700 gallon underwater viewing pond. Guests can also check out zookeepers maintain the otter habitat by filling the pond with live goldfish and freshwater clams. The new inhabitants also include a pair of fossas. The rare and endangered animals are found on the island of Madagascar. Altogether, the zoo is home to more than 40 endangered species.

A 1500 square foot alligator exhibit features a seven foot long American alligator. The American alligator has a little bit of company has a Chinese alligator is right next door.

No zoo would be complete without lions. The back of the zoo offers a pair of lions, Midas and MG. While other lions in zoos spend the majority of their time sleeping, guests to the Southern Nevada Zoo get to see lions interact with each other and guests.

One of the best aspects of the zoo is the interactive feature. Guests can buy birdseed at the entrance of the zoo and can taker time to handfeed some of the birds that roam free through the zoo. There is also a chance to handfeed pygmy goats.