Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary

8103 Racel Street, Las Vegas, NV 89131

Our History

Purpose

Habitat Improvements
The Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary was established in 1970 and is a non-profit organization dependent upon the support of the general public for its survival. The Sanctuary offers a safe haven for animals of all types. We are dedicated to the continued public awareness of responsible pet adoption so that our facility will experience zero growth in the future in accepting unwanted pets. Through onsite classes on animal wellness, presentations, and tours of the facility we hope to encourage the thoughtful adoption of pets who will remain with their original owners.

Residents of the Sanctuary

We can boast having three of the larger Ratitae (birds that cannot fly) found on Earth. The Ostrich, Emu, and Rhea are our tenants. We also have some of the smallest birds found on Earth, finches. Australia has given us Cockatoos, Parakeets, and Cockatiels, while Africa has given the Turacao, Lovebirds, African Grey, and a variety of Parrots. The magnificent Macaws and Amazons are from Central and South America as well as a Toucan and a variety of Parrots. You might say we have an international representation that gives credit to every part of the world. We cannot forget to include our migratory birds that honor us each season with a visit on our small lake.

Aside from the birds we have our share of desert tortoises as well as water turtles and iguanas from Central America. Our park is completed by our goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, swans, cows, llamas, donkeys, and miniature horses.  
Bill and Oscar experimented on a free flight structure they call the “rainforest” in 2005. Several fruit trees were planted and a year later 8 pair of Macaws were introduced to the building. This past summer we were presented with two clutches of Military Macaw  babies, only 2,000 left in the wild, and a hybrid pair called Harlequins (Blue and Gold and Green-Winged Macaw cross).  Needless to say the proud papas are thrilled with the success of the design and are planning a second “rainforest”. 

They plan to house several pairs of cockatoos hoping for the same success. Visitors to the “rainforest” are delighted to be able to see these birds in the least restrictive environment filled with natural foliage that they can sample.  The seeds that fall to the ground have been germinating and there is lush growth of sunflowers, melons, squash, peanuts, and wild oats.  In summer swamp coolers keep the moister high and temperature down.  Winter time affords a comfortable moist area conducive to bird health and wellbeing.

What's in the future?

We look forward to an increase in public support so that modernized facilities such as our “rainforest” will afford optimal health for our residents.  Eventually we would like to see all of our residents housed in similar facilities throughout the Sanctuary. Through memberships, sponsorships, and corporate involvement, we can continue to grow and support those animals who are no longer able to live at home.  We understand that well-intended adoptions can become problematic when lives change due to health or social circumstances and for those reasons we wish to continue serving the public for many years to come.    You can help by donating time, money, or materials to help Bill’s dream flourish.