Gilcrease needs help to ensure fire is temporary setback
What a sad turn of events. About a week ago, I posted an item here encouraging Las Vegans to visit the wonderful Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary this spring. Then, just a few days later, the sanctuary experienced a fire that killed 180 birds and a dog. As a result, the eight-acre sanctuary will be closed for a few weeks to mourn the dead, clear the debris and make necessary repairs.
The Gilcrease facility in northwest Las Vegas recently received a large grant to renovate its facilities and expand its educational programs. You have to figure some of that money will now be used to replace the buildings destroyed by fire. But the sanctuary also needs the public's help. Several animal hospitals have volunteered to help with injured animals. An e-mail appeal from the Northwest Residents for Responsible Growth, led by activist Lisa Mayo-DeRiso, urges citizens to volunteer time to the sanctuary and/or donate materials, including wooden bird toys, perches, towels, blankets, stainless steel dishes (all sizes), large parrot food, birdcages and bird carriers. Money, of course, also is welcome.
The sanctuary is located at 8103 Racel, and the phone number is 645-6808.
