Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park 🇺🇸

Located about 15 minutes northwest of the Las Vegas Strip, the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park—informally known as the Las Vegas Zoo—was a three-acre nonprofit facility dedicated to educating visitors about desert life and protecting habitats. Operating from 1981 until September 2013, this unique attraction offered you a rare opportunity to explore a diverse collection of over 150 plant and animal species right in Nevada. As you toured the grounds, you could see fascinating wildlife, including the last family of Barbary apes in the United States, alongside grivet monkeys, lions, tigers, leopards, goats, sheep, and a llama in its petting zoo area.

Bird enthusiasts were treated to roughly 150 birds, while botanical displays showcased various flora like bamboo and cycads. In addition to animal enclosures, the park featured a small gem exhibit area and a small gift shop situated at the main exit, where purchases helped support the zoo's mission to educate and entertain the public. An on-site animal hospital provided veterinary care for inhabitants and was accessible to the public as well.

Though no longer operational, the historical park remains a distinct chapter in local attraction history.

What to see at Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park

• Displayed over 150 species of plants and animals, including Barbary apes
• Featured botanical plant displays including bamboo and cycad
• Included a petting zoo with a llama, goats, and sheep
• Housed a small gem exhibit area and an exit gift shop

Visiting tips

Stop by the small gift shop near the main exit to help support the park's mission and educational programs.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park is easy to reach on Las Vegas’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Adventuredome and Neon Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Las Vegas travel guide.