The Mirage has had Sigfried and Roy's white tigers on display for years, but now visitors can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. The new "Secret Garden" is in essence a small zoo that allows people to get close to the animals while also educating them on animal rights and conservation. Besides the famous white tigers, there is an Asian elephant, a panther, a snow leopard and Bengal tigers. All the animals are kept in small enclosures that simulate their natural environment. One can really appreciate the beauty and power of the animals when they're only about ten feet away, and all that separates them from you is a chain link fence. Don't worry, many of these animals are used in Sigfried and Roy's show so they might act somewhat less ferocious, but I wouldn't want to test that theory.

    The setting of the Secret Garden itself is quite pretty. Exotic foliage and interesting bits of Asian architecture and artifacts create a serene, (photographic) safari-like atmosphere. One can learn more about the artifacts and animals by picking up one of the free phone-like listening devices. Punch in a numeric code on the phone to hear a pre-recorded message from Sigfried and Roy about that particular exhibit. They will tell you about the animals, facts about conservation methods and interesting anecdotes. It's easy to spend lots of time in the Secret Garden.

    The Mirage Dolphin Habitat is also a pleasant place to spend some time. Like the Secret Garden, the Dolphin Habitat seeks to make the public aware of the role these animals play in the ecosystem and educate people on conservation methods. Seven dolphins are kept in a tank that is over eight times the government standard. The 2.5 million gallon tank recycles the water every two hours and has windows below the water level, so visitors can watch the dolphins play above and below the water. The staff that takes you through the Dolphin Habitat and the Secret Garden are friendly and knowledgeable, and are happy to answer any questions. If you ask nicely, you might get one of the staff members to throw a beach ball into the pool. The dolphins love to bat it back out of the water, so if you've never played catch with an aquatic mammal, this might be your best chance.

    The Secret Garden is closed on Wednesdays, so go on others days, when you can see both the Secret Garden and the Dolphin Habitat.