The Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park, informally known as the Las Vegas Zoo, is a 3-acre (1.2 ha), nonprofit Zoological park and botanical garden located in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is located northwest of the Las Vegas Strip, about 15 minutes away. It focuses primarily on the education of desert life and habitat protection. Its mission statement is to "educate and entertain the public by displaying a variety of plants and animals". An admission fee is charged. The park includes a small gem exhibit area and a small gift shop at the main exit. The gift shop and admission fees help support the zoo.