Located next to the pool area at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, the Wildlife Habitat is not only a refuge for its animals, but also for anyone looking for a quiet and peaceful retreat from the bustle of the casinos. The Habitat contains 15 acres of well-groomed foliage, trees, ponds, streams, and waterfalls for its turtles, swans, ducks, koi, goldfish, and of course, pink Chilean flamingos. The habitat contains over 300 birds, including black necked swans, Impeyn and silver pheasants, a Crown crane, and, occasionally, penguins on loan from the Dallas Zoo. Many of the birds roam the habitat freely, often flying over the heads of visitors, though the flamingos usually stay in one area.

Visitors can walk through the habitat’s winding walkways, peer over bridges at the colorful koi in the lagoons below, and take a breather on the benches scattered throughout the habitat. The atmosphere is serene and quiet; for a second or two, it’s even possible to forget you’re in Las Vegas when you’re sitting among the habitat’s palms and magnolias. There are also several prime areas for photographs.

The habitat is open 24 hours a day. A visit there is best done during daytime hours in order to fully see and appreciate the surroundings, although it’s also fun to go at night to see the animals sleeping. The expert caretakers at the Flamingo have done an excellent job recreating a natural environment for the animals, even importing foliage from around the world to make the animals feel at home.

The habitat is an excellent place to take the children for some family-friendly fun, and best yet, the attraction is free. Plus, no visit to the Flamingo is complete without seeing their namesakes – it’s truly the highlight of the hotel and a beautiful, peaceful hidden sanctuary on the Strip.