Cloud 9 — the people who brought Vegas the world's largest tethered helium balloon ride — have another proposition for us. Las Vegas Safaris' Exotic Animal Encounter will open in the Cloud 9 balloon park, located across from Mandalay Bay. While others hover aloft, those on the ground can partake in a rare face-to-face encounter with baby animals of the wild.

Exotic young animals such as zebras, giraffes and even a rhinoceros will be brought up and nurtured under the direct care of expert animal handlers and right before the eyes of onlooking families and children. There even will be occasional opportunities for visitors to pet certain babies!

The new attraction opens on March 21. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children.