The Secret Garden

This Friday Jon's clinic got the day off-- supposedly they won some award for being "the best" clinic in the entire Air Force last year. I think this is thanks in part to the fact that they keep their residents working at such an insane level compared with other AEGD residencies. (Jon's commander told them they see as many patients in this one year, as someone in private practice sees in FIVE years. Seriously. A side effect of seeing sooooo many patients is that it also takes five years off of your life, but...) Anyway, Friday was a day to celebrate!!

We had heard lots of good things about the Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage casino, and is it's also one of the only family things to do down on the Strip so we decided to check it out. Zachy was SO excited to see the tigers and fishies! He was decked out in sunglasses and hat-- ready for the 90 degree heat!


It's basically 3 large pools with several dolphins that you can literally come within touching-distance of, and you can sit outside and relax by the pools and watch them play.

They don't have any scheduled shows with the dolphins, so you kind of have to catch random interactions with the trainers who walk around, in order to see them do tricks, but the kids really enjoyed it.

As pampered as they may be in a zoo, I can't help but feel a little sorry for these big huge animals stuck in such little cages. This guy was right up at the fence pacing almost they entire time we watched him.


Here are the famous white tigers from Sigfried and Roy's show. Not that you can really see them with my crappy camera-- but they are that big white glare.

And surprise!! That cheater Pete Rose was signing autographs right outside the exhibit, but Jon didn't want him to autograph his hat so we snuck a picture instead.

Hooray for the whole day off!! Oh yeah, and if you go, beware of the "Bare" swimming area (the clothing optional place) because it's entrance is directly across from the dolphin exhibit. Only in Vegas!!