A Las Vegas Zoo-Cation

by Richard Warren

Monday, June 6, 2011

Las Vegas, the gambling Mecca, full of glamor, glitter, and glitz. A desert oasis that conjures up memories present and past – Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Wayne Newton, Siegfried and Roy, Donnie and Marie, and – Caico the Capuchin? No, a 3½-pound monkey with a permanent case of the “terrible-twos” hasn’t joined the ranks of these Sin City icons. But if you are looking for a unique experience she’s ready to be your host.

Caico, the Capuchin monkey welcomes
all cookie-bearing guests to the zoo
Photo by Richard Warren

Head away from the Las Vegas strip and proceed north on Interstate 15 and in less than an hour you will be in the town of Moapa. There you will find Caico and the fellow denizens of Roos-n-More, an interactive, educational zoo featuring more than 175 exotic animals.

Proceed straight through the main gate and you will encounter Snork and Sushi, two playful otters that delight and amuse the visitors with their antics. To the left you will see a cage full of ring-tailed lemurs from the island of Madagascar. After a small group gathers, a zoo volunteer will bring one of them out for the guests to pet and hold.

In addition, the menagerie of exotic animals includes kangaroos, wallabies, camels, otters, lemurs, emus, monkeys, zebras, reptiles, and many, many more. Part of the unique experience is the ability of visitors to interact with the critters. Rather than look at wildlife in cages, people go right into the pens with them. For instance, you actually have the ability to hold a baby kangaroo called a joey. Ever wondered what the inside of a kangaroos pouch felt like? This is your chance to find out.

Dr. Valerie Holt cradles young monkey while kangaroo looks on
Photo by Richard Warren

The zoo is a labor of love for Las Vegas veterinarians Jay and Valerie Holt. Originally started as an exotic animal rescue in 2006, they attained certification as a zoo and recently qualified for non-profit status. Like most charitable organizations, they depend on donations and a staff of volunteers to keep the operation going.

One of the more capitivating creatures you can meet at the zoo
Photo by Richard Warren

In addition to having open zoo days several times a month, they are also available to host school trips and the animals are a regular attraction at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. For those in the Clark County middle school they have a four-day animal adventure day camp. Can’t make it to the zoo? They can arrange to have a few of the animals brought to you for private parties. Some of their animals have even been featured on the revived TV show, “Let’s Make a Deal” and in a music video by the group Rascal Flatts.

So for an experience you can’t find on the Las Vegas Strip, pay a visit to Roos-N-More. A $10 donation at the gate delivers an experience you won’t forget. For more information call (702) 467-3585 or visit their website.

There is one thing you need to know. The monkey, Caico, is the unabashed star of the show and an unrepentant thief. She is free to roam about the grounds and thinks nothing of climbing on a guest and rifling through their pockets. Want to get on her good side? Forget the banana, Caico loves Oreo cookies!

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