Siegfried & Roy's New Tiger Sanctuary

Five Years After Roy's Accident, The Dedicated Duo Open Secret Garden In Las Vegas

(CBS)  Although Siegfried & Roy no longer perform due to Roy's tragic accident five years ago, the dazzling duo and their famous white tigers are still drawing crowds in Las Vegas, but now it's to their Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

With nearly 6,000 performances under their belt, they had thrilled millions before one of their beloved white tigers lunged at Roy Horn and nearly killed him. Since then, their life's work has been dedicated to protecting these fascinating animals.

Early Show veterinarian Debbye Turner Bell got an exclusive look at the new white tiger sanctuary, where the dangerous and exotic animals are on public display.

Bell was able to walk and cuddle with five 15-week-old white tiger cubs, who are direct descendents of the former star attraction white tigers. Just over 30 pounds now, the tiger cubs will soon weigh over 500 pounds.

Lynette Chappell, who has worked and performed with Siegfried & Roy for nearly 40 years, looks after the tigers at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden. Every year, 600,000 people come to see the beautiful cats.

In addition to entertaining and letting people get close to the tigers, the exhibit is meant to educate onlookers about the endangered species.

Still living in Vegas, Siegfried & Roy visit the Secret Garden three or four times a week.

"Roy goes very often," Bell said. "He still has a very close connection with the animals."

Siegfried & Roy have a Vegas attraction in addition to the Secret Garden -- a Shark Reef Exhibit at the Hotel at Mandalay Bay.

It houses a Komodo dragon, which is so poisonous that trainers can't even get near it -- they use a target pole to move the giant lizard around and launch food over a barricade to feed it.

According to a trainer, a Komodo dragon doesn’t waste any food. It can eat an animal that weighs about 700 pounds and leave nothing behind, not even bones.

For groups of children that come by to see the Komodo dragon and other predators in the menagerie, there are larger messages, which include awareness and respect, Bell explained.

Many may wonder what will happen to the white tiger cubs when they grow up.

"They'll stay in the collection there," Bell said. "In the hopes that Siegfried & Roy can again perform one day, but until now, they're dedicated to conservation, teaching awareness about these precious animals."

[hereticzero-2009]

Their efforts are a great idea and best of luck to them. I hope I can see their Sanctuary some day.

[dredre2k]

Glad to hear they are still protecting the big Cats.

I just don''t get why they won''t just come out of the closet. Not that its any of our business, but does anyone care if Sigfreed and Roy are gay? I think they are a FABULOUS couple, raising all those lil kittens together!

[observer2020]

This is fantastic! I, too, hope I can go see their Sanctuary some time. It would be wonderful to play with a tiger. I''ll bring the catnip!

[erasmus81]

I love Siegfried and Roy! I went to the IMAX theatre to see a movie of them once. It was great. It was in 3D and when the tigers jumped towards the screen, it looked like they were jumping right at you.


"I just don''''t get why they won''''t just come out of the closet. Not that its any of our business, but does anyone care if Sigfreed and Roy are gay?"

I thought they already had.

"I think they are a FABULOUS couple..."

They used to be a "couple", but I thought I heard they weren''t anymore. They do live together though.

[patriot12436]

I always like stories about those who seek to protect the wild animals and educate the public about them. As for Seigfried and Roy being gay or being a couple, that is between them. I am glad they have been so successful and have the money to carry on this work.

[patriot12436]

observer2020
We have a Budhist santuary here in Thailand that allows wild animals to come and go as they please. The monks work with the animals for months before they allow the public near them but you can safely walk thru the santuary anytime past many wild animals and they will not bother you. The highlight is the bengla tigers. You can sit with the tigers and have your picture taken. It was an amazing experience for animal lovers. I am coming back to the states this week and can''t wait till i can return to see more wonders in this beautiful country.

[keithle1]

Buddhist monks rule.

Siegfrid & Roy are too cheesy & Vegasy. I think Roy had it coming to him. They''re into exploiting animals for their own profit & fame. S c r e w them. I don''t care.

[Eglite]

For whatever reason, Montecore was trying to get Roy to safety, holding him the way cats carry their young or anything else. It is not the cat's fault that Roy was injured in the process. Just look at the size difference! I most sincerely hope that Roy will continue to improve. The animals certainly need him.