Siegfried & Roy’s Iconic Las Vegas Estate Roars Back To Life As 'Jungle Palace'

Siegfried and Roy, the iconic Las Vegas magicians and entertainers renowned for blending illusion, magic, and exotic animals, will continue to captivate fans in a new form—through their legendary mansion, which is set to become a tourist attraction.

Their Moroccan-themed mansion in Las Vegas is about to be transformed into "Jungle Palace," a museum and entertainment venue, so fans can experience the iconic property and relive the nostalgic memories of the duo.

The mansion once owned by Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn, legendary magicians and animal trainers, located at 1639 Valley Drive, near North Decatur Blvd. in Las Vegas, will soon be given new life as it's transformed into "Jungle Palace."

The mansion, built in 1954 and located across the street from the Las Vegas Golf Club, sold for $3 million in 2023 to Brett and George Carden of Carden International Circus, and will be preserved as a piece of Las Vegas history. The Clark County Commission approved the mansion for historical designation, so the home can being transformed into a tourist attraction.

The nearly 9,000-square-foot mansion is where the iconic Vegas performers lived with their well-known tigers and lions. The property includes a main house, guest houses, animal enclosures, and much more.

Clark County Nevada shared the news about "Jungle Palace" on their Instagram page captioned, "Preserving a piece of Las #Vegas #History. The #ClarkCounty Commission approved a historic designation and use permits for 'Jungle Palace,' Siegfried and Roy’s mansion. Owners now plan to create an entertainment venue and museum so the public can experience the iconic property and remember the famous duo."

Some fans dropped into the comment section to reminisce and share their thoughts on the soon-to-be tourist attraction.

"Used to love going there for Halloween as a kid they gave out full size candy and money," one person shared. Another added, "Good to hear it’s staying. It’s a part of history now." One other viewer said, "Got to meet Siegfried by chance and he was the kindest human. So happy to hear this!"

The iconic duo first began performing in Sin City in 1967 as a featured act and went on to headline their own show at the Frontier in 1981. In 1990, they moved to The Mirage where they headlined their wildly popular show for nearly 14 years. "Siegfried & Roy at the Mirage Resort and Casino" was considered one of the most-attended shows in Las Vegas in the 1990s.

In addition to their popular stage presence, Siegfried and Roy dedicated their time and energy to animal conservation. Their mission was to preserve and protect endangered species. They even shared the stage, and their home, with some big cats!

In October 2003, a tiger named Mantecore attacked Roy and severed his spine, which ended his performing career, and the show at The Mirage.

According to Reader's Digest, one night before the incident, Roy was heard saying, "I'll retire only when I can't do it anymore," while celebrating his 59th birthday with friends. He was referring to the physical strength necessary to handle the 600-pound tigers and swing on ropes above the audience in the show. Less than 24 hours later, Roy was near death after a serious mishap with one of the animals in the show.

Less than an hour into the show on October 3, 2003, Mantacore, a 7-year-old white tiger, allegedly became distracted by someone in the audience and broke his usual routine. He ended up going toward the edge of the stage, and Roy put himself between the cat and the front row. As Roy gave him a command to lie down, he grabbed his right wrist with his paw. He eventually put his jaws around Roy's neck and dragged him off stage. The cat had torn Roy's jugular vein, just missing the carotid artery. Roy also suffered a stroke not long after. The show was canceled shortly after the horrendous experience.

Siegfried and Roy did get back on stage one last time in 2009 for a final show. They even brought Mantacore out for one final act on stage.

Roy died of COVID in May 2020 and Siegfried died just months later in January 2021 of pancreatic cancer.

After standing tall in the middle of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, The Mirage closed its doors for the last time in July 2024.

The popular hotel and casino opened in 1989 with more than 3,000 rooms and a tropical theme. Home to Siegfried and Roy's show, it was also home to the Dolphin Habitat, Secret Garden, "The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil," Shim Lim's "Limitless" magic show, and the iconic volcano out front, that erupted multiple times every evening for a show of its own.

Before closing, The Mirage issued a formal statement about the change from The Mirage to Hard Rock.

"Hard Rock International (HRI) announced its plans to cease operations of The Mirage Hotel & Casino as of July 17, 2024, to begin the transformation of the property into the highly anticipated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas," the statement reads. "The last day of hotel occupancy will be July 14, 2024."

Shortly after closing, a new message on the website thanked visitors for the past 34 years.

"Hard Rock International (HRI) thanks you for your incredible support over the past 34 years. It's been an unforgettable journey at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, and we appreciate every visitor who made it special," the message reads.

The Hard Rock Casino & Hotel is set to open in 2027.