Loading Page...

Can you still see the white tigers in Las Vegas?

Now They've Disappeared for Real Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn were the performers to bring white lions and tigers to the Strip in 1967. So it's fitting that their big cats were the last to go. You won't find a big-cat show on The Strip anymore, and you aren't likely to find them in the future.



As of 2026, you can no longer see white tigers in their most famous location, The Mirage, as the resort's iconic Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat closed permanently in late 2022 to make way for the property's transition into the Hard Rock Las Vegas. Following the closure, the remaining white tigers and lions were relocated to high-quality, specialized sanctuaries like the WildCat Ridge Sanctuary in Oregon and the Animal Ark in Reno, Nevada. While you might still find smaller "roadside" or private collections in the broader Nevada area, the era of seeing these rare felines as a primary attraction on the Las Vegas Strip has officially ended. Most 2026 visitors looking for wildlife experiences in the city now pivot to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay or the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, which offer a more contemporary focus on marine life and avian conservation rather than exotic big cats.

As of my last update in October 2023, there are no longer white tigers on public display in Las Vegas. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

Historical Context

For many years, white tigers were a major attraction in Las Vegas, most famously associated with: The Mirage Hotel’s “Siegfried & Roy” show (which ended in 2003 after a tragic incident). The Mirage’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat (which housed some of the show’s white tigers and other big cats for years).

Key Changes

  1. The Mirage Closure/Transition: The Mirage closed its Secret Garden in 2022 as part of its transformation into the Hard Rock Las Vegas. The animals were relocated.
  2. MGM Resorts’ Policy Shift: In 2020, MGM Resorts (owner of The Mirage at the time) announced it would no longer exhibit lions, tigers, and other big cats across its properties. This policy was a response to evolving public sentiment and ethical concerns regarding captive wildlife entertainment.
  3. Relocation of Animals: The white tigers from The Mirage were moved to accredited sanctuaries and facilities better suited for their long-term care, such as the Wildlife Habitat in Reno and other reputable sanctuaries.

Current Status (2024)

  • No Casinos or Shows: You will not find white tigers in any Las Vegas casino, resort, or stage show today. The era of using big cats as entertainment spectacles on the Strip is effectively over.
  • Focus on Conservation & Ethics: The shift reflects a broader trend toward more ethical wildlife tourism. Most major resorts now focus on other forms of entertainment, art installations, and nightlife.

If You Want to See Big Cats

If seeing big cats is a priority, your best bet is to visit: Accredited Zoos & Sanctuaries outside Las Vegas (like The Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson, NV, which is home to lions, not tigers). Reputable wildlife conservation facilities that prioritize animal welfare over entertainment.

In summary: While white tigers were once iconic symbols of Las Vegas extravagance, they are no longer exhibited on the Strip due to significant policy changes and the closure of their primary habitat.

People Also Ask

White Tiger Habitat at the Mirage.

MORE DETAILS

Hard Rock will complete a total transformation of The Mirage into a new Las Vegas destination reost by 2025. The casino size will be nearly doubled, a new guitar-shaped hotel will be built along the Strip, and the existing Mirage will be completely renovated and rebuilt. #1 Choice of U.S. Players!

MORE DETAILS