How to Explore the Secret Garden at Siegfried & Roy in Las Vegas

The Secret Garden at Siegfried & Roy in Las Vegas is one of the most enigmatic and beautifully curated wildlife sanctuaries ever created within the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. More than just an attraction, it is a living tribute to decades of artistry, conservation, and the profound bond between humans and exotic animals. Originally conceived as a private sanctuary for the legendary magician duo’s collection of white tigers, lions, leopards, and other rare species, the Secret Garden evolved into a public-facing experience that offered visitors an intimate, educational, and emotionally resonant encounter with animals rarely seen outside of zoological institutions or remote natural habitats.

Though the physical venue closed to the public in 2009 following a tragic incident involving one of the tigers, the legacy of the Secret Garden endures. Its influence can be seen in modern wildlife education programs, conservation initiatives, and the way immersive animal experiences are designed in themed entertainment. Today, exploring the Secret Garden means more than visiting a physical location—it means understanding its history, honoring its mission, and engaging with its preserved artifacts, documentaries, and ongoing conservation work through curated digital and physical archives.

This guide will walk you through how to meaningfully explore the Secret Garden at Siegfried & Roy in Las Vegas—even if you cannot step onto its original grounds. Whether you’re a fan of magic, a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or a traveler seeking deeper cultural experiences beyond the casino lights, this tutorial will empower you to uncover the hidden layers of this iconic Las Vegas landmark. By combining historical context, practical access methods, expert recommendations, and real-world examples, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how to connect with the Secret Garden’s spirit and legacy.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Historical Context

Before attempting to explore the Secret Garden, it’s essential to understand its origins. Siegfried & Roy, the German-American magician duo, began performing in Las Vegas in the 1960s. By the 1980s, they revolutionized the magic show by incorporating live exotic animals—primarily white tigers and lions—into their performances. Their show at The Mirage became a sensation, blending theatrical spectacle with animal training that was both graceful and unprecedented.

Behind the scenes, they created the Secret Garden—a 14-acre private sanctuary adjacent to The Mirage. It housed over 100 animals, including rare white lions, leopards, and even a few elephants. Unlike traditional zoos, the Secret Garden was designed as a naturalistic habitat where animals lived in spacious, landscaped enclosures with waterfalls, tropical plants, and shaded pavilions. The environment was meticulously maintained to mimic the animals’ native ecosystems.

Understanding this context helps frame your exploration. The Secret Garden was never just a display—it was a sanctuary, a laboratory for animal behavior, and a stage for storytelling. Recognizing its purpose transforms your experience from passive observation to active reverence.

Step 2: Visit the Mirage Hotel and Locate the Original Site

While the Secret Garden is no longer open to the public, its physical footprint remains part of The Mirage resort. Head to The Mirage Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip and locate the area where the garden once stood—directly behind the main casino building, near the volcano lagoon and the former entrance to the Siegfried & Roy show theater.

Today, that space has been repurposed into a lush garden courtyard known as the “Volcano Garden,” featuring tropical flora, water features, and seating areas. While the animal enclosures are gone, the layout and design elements still echo the original sanctuary. Take a quiet walk through this area. Look for the preserved stone pathways, the ornate fountains, and the shaded alcoves that once served as viewing platforms for guests.

Photograph the space. Note the architectural details. Imagine the sound of tiger roars echoing beneath the palm trees. This mindful presence is the first step in truly exploring the Secret Garden—even without its original inhabitants.

Step 3: Access the Siegfried & Roy Archives Online

The most comprehensive way to explore the Secret Garden today is through digital archives. The official Siegfried & Roy website, though no longer updated, still hosts a gallery of historical photographs, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with the duo. Additionally, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Libraries maintain the Siegfried & Roy Collection, a curated digital archive of performance programs, training manuals, personal correspondence, and rare video recordings.

To access the UNLV archive:

• Visit https://digital.library.unlv.edu/
• Search “Siegfried & Roy” in the search bar
• Filter results by “Photographs” and “Video”

Here, you’ll find footage of the animals being trained, feeding routines, veterinary care sessions, and candid moments between Roy Horn and his tigers. These materials reveal the deep respect and daily rituals that defined the Secret Garden’s philosophy. Spend time watching at least three video clips to absorb the rhythm of life within the sanctuary.

Step 4: Watch the Documentary “Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Box”

In 2008, a feature-length documentary titled Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Box was released. It chronicles the rise of the duo, the creation of the Secret Garden, and the aftermath of the 2003 incident. The film includes exclusive access to the garden during its final years, showing how the animals interacted with their handlers and the emotional bond they shared.

Stream the documentary on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. Watch it in a quiet space with minimal distractions. Pay attention to the narration by Roy Horn, the ambient sounds of the garden, and the way the camera lingers on the animals’ eyes. This is not entertainment—it’s an intimate portrait of coexistence.

Step 5: Visit the Siegfried & Roy Museum at The Mirage

Though the Secret Garden is closed, The Mirage still houses a small but powerful museum dedicated to Siegfried & Roy. Located near the entrance to the former show theater, the museum displays costumes, props, awards, and personal memorabilia. Most notably, it includes a life-sized replica of the white tiger Montecore—Roy’s most famous companion—and a detailed timeline of the Secret Garden’s development.

Take your time here. Read the plaques. Study the training equipment. Notice how the exhibit avoids sensationalism and instead focuses on education, legacy, and conservation. The museum is free to enter and open during regular hotel hours. Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) for a more reflective experience.

Step 6: Engage with Conservation Organizations That Carry the Legacy

The Secret Garden’s ethos of animal welfare and education lives on through several organizations that Siegfried & Roy supported. The most prominent is the Siegfried & Roy’s White Tiger Sanctuary, now operated by the Las Vegas-based nonprofit White Tiger Foundation. Though no longer located on the Strip, the foundation continues to rescue and rehabilitate white tigers and other big cats.

Visit their official website to learn about their current projects. Many offer virtual tours, live webcam feeds of their residents, and educational webinars. Participating in a webinar or signing up for their newsletter allows you to stay connected to the ongoing mission of the Secret Garden.

Additionally, consider supporting global organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society or Born Free Foundation, which align with the values of ethical animal care that Siegfried & Roy championed.

Step 7: Read Firsthand Accounts and Memoirs

To deepen your understanding, read Roy Horn’s memoir, Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Behind the Curtain. In it, he describes the daily routines of the Secret Garden: how the tigers were fed, how they responded to music, how they formed attachments to specific staff members. He writes with humility and awe, never treating the animals as props, but as partners in performance and family members in life.

Also seek out interviews with former staff members, veterinarians, and trainers who worked at the garden. Many have shared their stories on YouTube and in niche wildlife forums. These accounts reveal the emotional complexity of working with apex predators in a human-dominated environment.

Step 8: Create Your Own Personal Reflection

Exploration is not complete without internalization. After gathering information, take time to reflect. Ask yourself:

• What did the Secret Garden teach me about human-animal relationships?
• How does its legacy challenge or reinforce modern views on animal captivity?
• What role does spectacle play in conservation?

Write your thoughts in a journal, create a digital scrapbook, or record a short audio reflection. This act of personal synthesis transforms passive consumption into meaningful engagement. The Secret Garden was never meant to be merely seen—it was meant to be felt.

Best Practices

Practice Ethical Curiosity

When exploring the Secret Garden’s legacy, avoid voyeurism. Do not treat the animals as objects of entertainment. Recognize that their lives were shaped by human ambition and, at times, exploitation. Approach the subject with humility. Focus on their dignity, their intelligence, and the relationships they formed—not just their appearance or rarity.

Support Conservation, Not Commercialization

Many websites and tour operators still market “Siegfried & Roy experiences” as if the garden is still active. Be cautious. Do not contribute to misleading tourism. Instead, direct your interest toward legitimate conservation groups that honor the duo’s original mission of ethical animal stewardship.

Respect the Space, Even When Empty

If you visit The Mirage, be mindful. The courtyard where the Secret Garden once stood is still a place of memory. Speak softly. Do not take selfies in front of animal statues with exaggerated expressions. This is not a theme park ride—it is a memorial.

Use Official Sources

Many YouTube videos and TikTok clips misrepresent the Secret Garden with sensational music or misleading captions. Stick to verified sources: UNLV archives, official documentaries, museum exhibits, and publications from reputable wildlife institutions.

Learn the Language of Animal Behavior

To truly appreciate the Secret Garden, learn basic animal behavior terminology. Understand the difference between dominance displays, submissive postures, and play behaviors in big cats. This knowledge transforms your viewing experience from passive to analytical. Resources like the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science and books by Dr. Temple Grandin offer accessible introductions.

Share Responsibly

If you post about the Secret Garden on social media, use accurate captions. Avoid phrases like “The most dangerous tigers in Vegas!” or “See them up close!” Instead, write: “Honoring the legacy of Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden—a sanctuary that taught us about compassion, responsibility, and the quiet dignity of wild animals.”

Visit During Quiet Hours

Whether you’re exploring the Mirage courtyard or watching archival footage, choose moments of stillness. Early mornings or late evenings offer fewer distractions and a more contemplative atmosphere. This allows you to connect more deeply with the emotional weight of the space.

Encourage Educational Dialogue

Discuss the Secret Garden with friends, students, or colleagues. Ask questions: “Do we have the right to keep wild animals in captivity for entertainment?” “Can magic and conservation coexist?” These conversations keep the legacy alive and challenge outdated assumptions.

Tools and Resources

Primary Digital Archives

• UNLV Siegfried & Roy Collection – https://digital.library.unlv.edu/ – Free access to photos, videos, documents, and audio interviews.
• Siegfried & Roy Official Website Archive – Access via Wayback Machine: https://web.archive.org/web/20080207182823/http://www.siegfriedandroy.com/
• White Tiger Foundation – https://www.whitetigerfoundation.org/ – Current conservation efforts and virtual tours.

Documentaries and Films

• Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Box – Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play
• White Tiger: The Last of the Magic – A 2010 National Geographic short film featuring behind-the-scenes footage
• Las Vegas: The Secret Gardens – PBS Nevada Special (2015) – Explores the cultural impact of the sanctuary

Books and Publications

• Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Behind the Curtain by Roy Horn (with David Ritz)
• Animals in Entertainment: Ethics and Evolution by Dr. David J. Wolfson – Chapter 4 covers Las Vegas animal shows
• The Animal Mind: A Philosophical Introduction by Kim Sterelny – For deeper understanding of animal cognition

Museums and Physical Sites

• The Mirage Hotel – Siegfried & Roy Museum – Free admission, open daily 10 a.m.–midnight
• Las Vegas Natural History Museum – Features a permanent exhibit on desert wildlife and conservation, including a section on the Secret Garden’s influence
• Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington, D.C.) – Offers comparative exhibits on big cat conservation and ethical enclosures

Online Communities and Forums

• Reddit – r/AnimalsBeingDerps – Occasionally features respectful threads on the Secret Garden’s legacy
• Facebook Group: “Siegfried & Roy Fans & Historians” – Active community sharing rare photos and stories
• Wildlife Conservation Forum (wildlifeforum.org) – Academic discussions on the ethics of animal performances

Mobile Applications

• UNLV Digital Collections App – iOS and Android – Browse archived materials on the go
• Wildlife Webcams – Apps like “Explore.org” offer live feeds of big cats in sanctuaries worldwide, helping you visualize what the Secret Garden might have felt like today

Real Examples

Example 1: The Student Research Project

In 2021, a high school student in Nevada conducted a senior thesis on the Secret Garden. She accessed UNLV’s digital archive, interviewed three former staff members, and created a 15-minute documentary titled “Echoes in the Garden.” Her project was awarded first place at the Nevada State History Fair. She concluded: “The Secret Garden wasn’t about spectacle. It was about showing the world that wild animals could be treated with tenderness. That’s the lesson we need to remember.”

Example 2: The Tour Guide Who Knew Too Much

A former Mirage employee who worked as a garden tour guide in the 1990s now leads private “Legacy Walks” for small groups. He doesn’t sell tickets—he invites people to walk the courtyard and share stories. One visitor wrote: “He didn’t show me tigers. He showed me Roy’s voice trembling as he described how Montecore would nudge his hand before bedtime. That was the real magic.”

Example 3: The International Conservationist

A wildlife biologist from Kenya visited Las Vegas in 2019 and spent two days studying the Secret Garden’s archives. He later designed a new sanctuary in the Maasai Mara using similar principles: naturalistic habitats, no public viewing through glass, and educational storytelling through audio guides. He credits Siegfried & Roy for proving that “wild animals can be ambassadors—not attractions.”

Example 4: The Virtual Classroom

A university professor in Oregon uses footage from the UNLV archive to teach a course on “Ethics in Entertainment.” Students compare the Secret Garden to modern zoos, marine parks, and even virtual reality animal experiences. One student remarked: “It made me realize that the most powerful form of conservation isn’t cages or cameras—it’s connection.”

Example 5: The Memorial Installation

In 2020, a local artist created a public art piece called “The Empty Cage” outside the Mirage. It featured 12 hollow, sculpted tiger forms made of reclaimed wood, each labeled with the name of a tiger that lived in the garden. Visitors were invited to leave handwritten notes of gratitude. Over 3,000 notes were collected and archived by the White Tiger Foundation. The installation remains a quiet pilgrimage site.

FAQs

Is the Secret Garden still open to the public?

No, the Secret Garden ceased public operations in 2009. The physical space has been repurposed into a decorative courtyard at The Mirage. However, its legacy is preserved through digital archives, museum exhibits, and conservation initiatives.

Can I see the original tigers or lions today?

The animals that lived in the Secret Garden have passed away or been relocated to accredited sanctuaries. The White Tiger Foundation and other conservation groups now care for descendants and rescued animals from similar backgrounds. You cannot see the original animals, but you can support their living legacy.

Are there any guided tours of the Secret Garden site?

There are no official guided tours, but The Mirage offers complimentary self-guided walking paths through the former garden area. Private guides with historical expertise also offer informal “Legacy Walks” by appointment.

Where can I find authentic photos and videos of the Secret Garden?

The most reliable sources are the UNLV Digital Collections and the official Siegfried & Roy documentary The Magic Box. Avoid unverified YouTube clips or social media posts that lack sourcing.

Why did the Secret Garden close?

The closure followed a 2003 incident during a performance in which one of the tigers attacked Roy Horn, resulting in severe injury. The event led to the end of the show and, eventually, the decision to discontinue public access to the sanctuary. The decision was made out of safety, legal, and ethical considerations.

Can I donate to support the Secret Garden’s legacy?

Yes. Contributions can be made to the White Tiger Foundation, which continues the work of rescuing and rehabilitating big cats. Donations fund veterinary care, habitat enrichment, and educational outreach programs.

Is it ethical to visit The Mirage to see where the Secret Garden was?

Yes—provided you approach the site with respect. Visiting to learn, reflect, and honor the animals’ lives is ethical. Visiting for entertainment or to take photos with tiger statues in a playful manner is not.

What should I say if someone asks me about the Secret Garden?

Share its truth: “It was a unique sanctuary that blended magic with conservation. The animals were treated with deep care, and their legacy teaches us about responsibility, not spectacle.”

Are there any plans to reopen the Secret Garden?

There are no current plans to reopen the original site. However, the values it stood for continue to influence modern animal sanctuaries and ethical wildlife tourism worldwide.

How can I teach my children about the Secret Garden?

Use age-appropriate documentaries, museum visits, and storybooks about animals and conservation. Emphasize compassion, respect, and the idea that wild animals belong in the wild—but when they’re in human care, they deserve dignity.

Conclusion

Exploring the Secret Garden at Siegfried & Roy in Las Vegas is not about finding a place that still exists—it’s about uncovering a story that still matters. It is a narrative of wonder and responsibility, of artistry and ethics, of beauty and loss. The garden may be gone, but its echoes remain—in the quiet corners of The Mirage, in the digital archives of UNLV, in the eyes of the white tigers still living under care, and in the hearts of those who choose to remember.

This guide has shown you how to move beyond the surface of a faded attraction and into the depth of its meaning. You now know where to find the truth, how to honor the animals, and how to carry their legacy forward—not as relics of a bygone era, but as lessons for a more compassionate future.

Do not seek to relive the Secret Garden. Seek to understand it. And in that understanding, you will find something far more enduring than any exhibit: a renewed commitment to the dignity of all living beings.