KTNV ABC,Channel 13,Las Vegas,Nevada,News,Weather,Sports,Entertainment,KTNV.com,Action News .:. Hundreds of birds killed in fire at Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary

Hundreds of birds killed in fire at Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary

Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) - A ravaging fire kills hundreds birds, some rare and exotic. It happened at the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary near Durango and Grand Teton. .

A guard dog was also killed in the two alarm fire that swept through during the Friday overnight hours. One of the two buildings that burned was a rehab facility. Gilcrease rescues abandoned pets and is a nonprofit that offers an admission of $5 or less.

"These [birds] came from homes, they left these birds here for us to take care of them and we're doing our best but when we have something like this, how do you control it," explained Sandra Salinas, director of Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary.

The Clark County Fire Dept. is estimating that 150 birds were killed in the inferno. However, staff at Gilcrease say that number is actually much higher, possibly as many as 350.

The historic sanctuary is almost 40 years old and houses about 1,500 abandoned animals. Beyond birds, a number of other animals call the sanctuary home. That includes donkeys, llamas and goats.

The majority of the survivors are making do without any treatment. Almost 40 birds were transported to the North Las Vegas Animal Hospital for a closer look. Three have since perished and 11, suffering from smoke inhalation, have been taken elsewhere.

"It's a tough situation, but I think that these are probably all survivors here. I think at least for the ones that are here, we're going to have a happy ending," said Dr. George Stoecklin, with the North Las Vegas Animal Hospital.

Some of those birds are receiving anti-biotic's and anti-inflammatory to assist in the recovery. It's uncertain when they'll be returned to the sanctuary.

Employees at Gilcrease estimate that the fire caused more than $2 million dollars in damage.

Many people have come down to the area trying to see if they can help out. As word of the fire spread, volunteers sprang into action and helped to clean up the mess left by the fire.

The exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined but officials say it appears the fire started on the roof near some power lines.

To find out more about making a donation or helping out at the sanctuary, call (702) 645-4224.

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