Resort to open lion habitat

Tuesday, June 22, 1999 | 11:07 a.m.

The Las Vegas MGM Grand hotel-casino said its new lion habitat will open to the public July 1.

The $9 million tri-story habitat is near Studio 54 and the hotel's Entertainment Dome Casino. One to five lions will be on display, including "Baby Lion," a direct descendant of MGM Studios' famous signature marquee lion.

The hotel said guests will be surrounded by lions via a see-through walkway tunnel that runs through the 5,345-square-foot habitat.

Admission to the attraction will be free and guests can purchase photos from a special lion photo opportunity area for $20. A retail shop adjacent to the habitat will sell specialty t-shirts, mugs and other merchandise.

Veteran animal trainer Keith Evans will oversee, train and feed the animals.

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