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To honor the lion and help safeguard its preservation for future generations, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino has created a one-of-a-kind Lion Habitat as a showcase for public education and appreciation for this majestic creature of nature. The lion has been a part of the MGM heritage for many years, beginning with the legendary Leo, whose roars have welcomed generations of moviegoers to epics of the silver screen.
The lions live in custom accommodations on an 8.5-acre ranch 12 miles from the MGM Grand. They are owned and cared for by noted feline expert Keith Evans, who has been training exotic animals for more than 41 years.
Noted authority on lion behavior and training, Keith Evans is widely recognized as one of the nation’s preeminent exotic animal trainers and conservationists, with more than 41 years of experience working with members of the feline family. Evans focuses on big cats, but has also handled and trained other animals. Today he cares for 31 cats, including 26 lions, three tigers and two snow leopards, at his 8.5-acre Las Vegas ranch.
Evans was instrumental in the design and construction of the Lion Habitat at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which opened July 1, 1999. Evans owns the lions appearing at the Habitat, transporting several groups each day from his ranch. "My goal is to continue working with exotic animals to ensure that the public has the opportunity to view these majestic animals and to become educated on the needs and the requirements of lions in wild habitats," said Evans.
Evans has been associated with MGM Grand since the 1980s, arranging the live displays and photos of lions. Evans has used his trained animals on television shows such as Fantasy Island, The Tonight Show, national television ads for Uniroyal, as well as in print including the cover of Las Vegas Magazine, National Enquirer and Tennis magazine.
