Las Vegas Zoo354

Also known by its longer name, the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park, the Las Vegas Zoo features many animals native to the world's arid climates - emus, exotic reptiles, and wallabies - surrounded by botanical displays of endangered cycads and rare bamboos.

The zoo also houses the last family of Barbary Apes in the United states and many endangered big cats. Gem aficionados can check out exhibits provided by the Las Vegas Gem Club.

Little ones might want to head directly to the Petting Zoo, which was extensively remodeled and reopened in May 2009. It features 14 animal statues, a remodeled wallabies exhibit featuring two baby wallabies, and a Kool Kids Kage that invites children to climb inside and pretend to be an animal. Kids can pet the residents as long as the animals are agreeable to it.