HotelChatter

We were visiting Vegas back in 2003 when Roy was attacked by one of his white tigers during the Siegfried and Roy performance at The Mirage and it totally creeped us out. We weren't even at the show (we were meant to go the following night!), but the next morning, as word on Roy's condition was still unclear, other white tigers were still roaming about their glassed enclosure in the lobby.

Even creepier, tourists were snapping up Siegfried and Roy merchandise in the gift shop across the way, supposedly hoping to cash in on a big-news moment.

The CBS Early Show interviewed guests who witnessed the MGM Grand attack, with one saying the reaction was:

"Shock, a lot of gasps, and a couple screams. People were pretty upset about the whole thing going on."

(Personally, our favorite quote from the video is the woman saying--to the second trainer, presumably--"Get out of there. Now." Helpful!)

Despite upsetting people, and the stitches in the trainer's leg, an MGM spokesperson said in a statement yesterday that animal attack incidents are rare and that handlers "uphold the highest safety standards at all times."

Hmmm. That's all well and good, but we think we'll be looking to stay elsewhere on our next trip to Vegas. Preferably, a place where the only mauling that takes place happens at the buffet.

What do you think? Do you like to see big cats and other dangerous creatures in your hotel-casino lobby? Have you stayed at the MGM Grand or The Mirage just to see the kitties? Let us know in comments below!