Skip to main content

Here’s the super weird reason why the Bellagio fountain was shut down this week

What prompted the fountains to stop?

Bellagio
santouki / Pixabay

The stunning spectacle of the Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas came to an unexpected halt on Tuesday, all thanks to an uninvited guest: the majestic Yellow-billed Loon. This rare bird is normally found only in remote northern waters, so its arrival on the Las Vegas Strip was a complete surprise, prompting the temporary stopping of the iconic water displays and live shows. 

Yellow billed loon
Carrie Olson / Shutterstock

What is a Yellow-billed Loon?

In a social media post from the Bellagio Las Vegas, it was stated that the Yellow-billed Loon is one of the 10 rarest birds in the United States. The adventurous bird was far away from home, as it is primarily found in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. As its name suggests, the Yellow-billed Loon is characterized by its striking yellow bill, which is a stark contrast to its black and white feathers. The bird is known for its ability to dive deep underwater in search of fish.

Recommended Videos

We are happy to welcome the most exclusive guests.

The Fountains of Bellagio are paused as we work with state wildlife officials to rescue a Yellow-billed Loon, one of the 10 rarest birds in the U.S., that has found comfort on Las Vegas' own Lake Bellagio. https://t.co/3ENRZURDxp

— Bellagio Las Vegas (@Bellagio) March 5, 2024

According to The National Park Service, the Yellow-billed Loon is classified as an international species of concern and is suspected to be undergoing a moderately rapid population decline.

Why did the bird stop in Las Vegas?

So why did this rare bird decide to take a swim in the Bellagio fountain? According to department spokesperson Doug Nielsen in a statement to the Associated Press, the bird likely sought shelter from a storm as it was migrating north, which is not all that uncommon in The Valley. Nielsen explained that birds can sometimes get off course during their annual migration due to poor weather conditions or heavy winds.

“They normally nest around the Arctic Circle and winter in Canada, the U.S., Norway, or Siberia,” Kurt Buzard, a veteran bird spotter, told the AP. I think it’s lost and probably disoriented.”

Buzzard was worried for the bird as the man-made lake at the Bellagio does not have fish. So, if the bird had stopped to feed, it would be too hungry to continue its migratory path.

Bellagio fountain
Michelle_Raponi / Pixabay

The Bellagio fountain is now back up and running

All of the fountain shows were paused as security officials worked to figure out the best course of action. At first, they hoped that the bird would depart on its own, but the uninvited guest didn’t show any signs of leaving (we can’t blame him). On Wednesday, officials decided to capture the bird and relocate it to “a more suitable and remote location where it has space, food, and quiet surroundings.” 

“According to the biologist who oversaw the capture, the bird had no apparent injuries and appeared to be in good health,” the state wildlife department official said.

The department expects the bird to continue its migratory trek north. By late afternoon, the Bellagio fountain was turned back on, and all shows resumed as normal.

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
45 million people are traveling for Memorial Day: Here’s how to avoid the traffic
AAA highlights the best times to hit the road during the holiday weekend
Traffic

Get ready for packed roads and long lines, as 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend this year, marking a new record, according to AAA. The travel period runs from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26, and most of those travelers, nearly 39.4 million, are hitting the road. While air travel and other modes of transportation like trains, buses, and cruises are also up this year, driving remains the top choice for Memorial Day travelers.

With gas prices lower than last year’s average ($3.59 per gallon), road trips are more appealing than ever. In fact, 87% of travelers will be driving to their destinations, making traffic jams and congested highways all but guaranteed.

Read more
A long-awaited reopening in the Smoky Mountains is finally here
Great Smoky Mountains National Park repairs a culvert and more at this favorite hiking spot
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Ever since the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has slowly but surely been reopening sections of the park following reconstruction efforts. The Cosby Area, which is a popular place for visitors to hike, camp, and picnic, is next on the list. As of May 12, 2025, the Cosby Area has officially reopened following the completion of a culvert replacement under Cosby Entrance Road.

This is one of many rehabilitation projects in the area aimed at protecting aquatic species and managing water flow, since flood damage has been a major concern. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and recent debris buildup have heightened risks in the area.

Read more
Norovirus outbreaks are surging on cruise ships in 2025: Here’s how to stay safe
Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are at a record high
Cruise ship into the sunset

Norovirus is making waves on cruise ships in 2025, with a sharp rise in outbreaks reported so far this year. As of early May, 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships have met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) threshold for public notification. Alarmingly, 12 of those outbreaks were caused by norovirus, the highly contagious virus known for its rapid spread and harsh symptoms.

One of the most recent incidents occurred on Holland America Line's Eurodam, where 148 passengers and 22 crew members fell ill between April 12 and May 3. This spike in outbreaks is notable, as previous years saw far fewer incidents: 2024 recorded 18 outbreaks in total, while 2023 saw 14.

Read more