This oasis on the Strip is a great place to get away for some quiet time or to take your family for a bit of nature in the desert.
Ok, admit it: the last thing you are thinking about when you go to Las Vegas is animals. Back in the day, maybe you would go see the Siegfried and Roy show at the Mirage, but with that closed, your sights are set on the tables, bars, and restaurants. That is all fine, but what if you just need some time to wind down after a long session of blackjack or after a few too many cocktails? The Strip isn’t exactly the most conducive place for relaxation, except perhaps at one of its hidden gems – the Flamingo Habitat.
Not convinced? Let’s fill you in a little on the Habitat and why you might find it to be the perfect little getaway in the heart of the action.
The History of the Flamingo Habitat
The Flamingo Habitat is housed, not surprisingly, at the Flamingo Hotel. While the area around the Habitat has changed significantly over the years, the oasis in the middle still exists in essentially the same form today. The garden courtyard of the hotel has been transformed into a sanctuary to many animals, birds, and fish, and if you are there at 8:30 or 11:30 in the morning, you can have a guided tour of the Habitat with interesting insights into the wildlife housed there.
The main attraction, aside from finding a paradise of an oasis in the middle of Las Vegas Boulevard, is, of course, the beautiful pink flamingos that have been brought in all the way from Chile. Many can stand for a long time watching the majestic birds go about their day and gaze into the deep pink color that comes from the eating of shrimp (of all things!)
No matter how young or old you are, or what time of day, you are bound to get something out of visiting the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Resort.
How to get the most out of your visit
Here are a couple of tips to ensure your visit to the Wildlife Habitat that our team of travel experts has compiled for you.
Remember that the Habitat is outside
Although there is a lot of shade that comes from the canopy of trees in the Wildlife Habitat, the reserve is located outside, which means that it can get VERY hot. Depending on the time of year you are visiting, and who you are visiting the Habitat with, you may want to pick a time early in the morning or later in the evening to ensure you aren’t uncomfortably hot.
Feeding Time is the Best Time
While you have a chance to see loads of amazing wildlife in the Habitat, sometimes the birds and fish can be elusive. If you want to ensure you get the perfect picture for your social media accounts, then you should look to see when the feeding times are. This way, you will know that the creatures will be lured out to eat, giving you ample time to see them in all their glory.
Not everything you see is exotic
Of course, with a bird and animal sanctuary outdoors in the middle of an urban environment, you may encounter some species that aren’t exactly “wild” in the Habitat. With no way to stop them from entering, there are often tourists asking about sparrows and other local birds that have come for a visit or have turned the facility into their home. The flamingos don’t seem to mind but bear that in mind when you start to take your pictures to avoid embarrassment when you get home.
Meet the Parrots
Cheesy? Hell yes, it is. But getting a picture with one of the heavily domesticated parrots on site is part of the ritual of being there. Spend a few bucks to get likely the only professional photo taken of you during your entire stay in Las Vegas.
Flamingo Habitat FAQ
Is this putting the flamingos in danger?
Absolutely not! The hotel wouldn’t jeopardize the health or wellbeing of these animals, and the Habitat is designed to give you a glimpse of the tranquility that these South American birds (and all the other wildlife) would be used to if not in Las Vegas.
Do I have to be a guest of Flamingo to enter the Habitat?
No, you do not have to be a guest of the Flamingo or any of the other Caesars properties to visit the Wildlife Habitat. It is entirely open to the public, and there are no age minimums either, so it is a great spot for the whole family.
What are the hours for the Flamingo Habitat?
Unless it is closed for maintenance or a private function, here are the hours of operation for the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat:
Monday: 8:00AM to 8:00PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM to 8:00PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00AM to 8:00PM
Friday: 8:00AM to 8:00PM
Saturday: 8:00AM to 8:00PM
Sunday: 8:00AM to 8:00PM
How much does it cost to enter the Flamingo Habitat?
This may be the best part about this whole review: the Habitat is absolutely free of charge! There are some up-sells like having your photo taken with the parrots, but if you just want to bask in the glory of the wildlife, you can do so without reaching into your wallet!