Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary

662 reviews

8103 Racel St, Las Vegas, NV 89131

gilcrease.community

About

Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary is a Animal protection organization located at 8103 Racel St, Las Vegas, NV 89131. It has received 662 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday9AM-2:30PM
Tuesday9AM-2:30PM
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
Friday9AM-2:30PM
Saturday9AM-2:30PM
Sunday9AM-2:30PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary: 8103 Racel St, Las Vegas, NV 89131

  • Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary has 4.7 stars from 662 reviews

  • Animal protection organization

  • "I’ll have to return when it isn’t so hot, as most animals understandably wanted to sleep/hide away in the shade (which I assumed going in)"

    "From the other reviews, I assumed the entry fee was not required and when I arrived the ticket booth even called it a “suggested donation”"

    "I had such a great time here today"

    "We had originally been looking for this sanctuary but ended up going to the Las Vegas farm prior to"

    "Ok lets make this quick"

Reviews

  • S

I’ll have to return when it isn’t so hot, as most animals understandably wanted to sleep/hide away in the shade (which I assumed going in). $10 entrance fee per person to a sanctuary isn’t asking much. The cost to feed animals is not cheap plus the cost to operate in general. Nice staff and it meant a lot that staff gave background info on the animals to enrich the visit, since some we weren’t able to see. Got to feed the goats at their lunchtime and chatted with the birds. Will return to see the llamas, tortoise and more in Fall but happy Bambi made an appearance- bless her. It’s a nice stroll in a quiet setting. Always happy to support sanctuaries. Please don’t go in expecting a zoo- this is a place that exists for the animals and their well-being after being rescued from varying conditions so they can live out their lives. Also anyone mentioning it being ‘less green’ these days- Las Vegas has been in a drought for a long time and we have water restrictions. There’s adequate grass here for these animals in the desert.

  • Melissa Hermes

From the other reviews, I assumed the entry fee was not required and when I arrived the ticket booth even called it a “suggested donation”. We would’ve been happy donating $40 but for a family of 7 it’s just not feasible to pay $70 to enter. We drove almost an hour to visit but we were turned away. Really disappointed, I feel deceived by the cost. From what I read, they’ve apparently changed the “donation” to be required since the quarantine and if that’s the case, they should really address that it’s no longer a “donation” and it’s simply the price of a ticket. Update your signage and don’t get mad and snappy at us for misunderstanding because all of your signs are outdated and still say “suggested donation”.

  • Michael T. Ross

I had such a great time here today. I donated and gave the animals a bunch of lovin'. The grounds are kept up so nice. This is a must stop for tourists coming in to town. And for locals like myself. I met Steve and he was so friendly and knowledgeable. He talked about their Toucan bird and her history. I came here with friends and we all had a wonderful day. I can't wait to come back again and enjoy the day here. Big animal lover! Thank you so much for all you do to keep this place going and housing these special animals. Michael

  • M

We had originally been looking for this sanctuary but ended up going to the Las Vegas farm prior to. After coming here, Linda was very friendly at the window and Jennifer the operations manager was very kind and informative. This location has a ton of exotic birds and extremely friendly animals. In fact, the pigs and goats in the back came toward us at the gates for affection which was fairly different from the farm where it seemed they were overwhelmed with attention. Nevertheless, make sure to come visit this sanctuary!

  • Aven Suazo Cuellar

Ok lets make this quick. My wife and i visited on Oct. 2nd 2022. Parking is simple and the entrance fee is $10 per person. The lady in the front was nice but other than that the rest of the staff never once acknowledged us none of the staff seemed happy to be there at all..The animals all seemed very distressed... and aggressive.(Understandable since they are rescued.) Regardless it seemed like a hot and miserable enviroment for everyone and the experience was a bit disappointing... At least they have a good cause.

  • Angela

Just discovered this sanctuary! There's even a cool outdoor amphitheatre for performances and concerts, and an event room great for children's birthdays. Will look at having an event here. My partner and I spent an hour amused at all the different kinds of parrots with personality - curious, hilarious, talkative. I learned that cockatoos live 80+ years and are like toddlers, loving affection and attention, so it's wonderful these rescued birds have a home here! There's goats, emus, donkeys, pigs, and more.

  • Javana Johns

Great place if you love birds of all sorts but specifically exotic and colorful birds. They've got turtles and pigs, too, some small ponies and goats. It's a good sized area where you can spend 15 mins getting through or longer if you please. We were here about 30 mins. The birds loved and talked to my littles. They were so sweet and the caretakers are passionate about the animals and know them well. Support to the sanctuary!

  • Kelley Peters

Gilcrease nature sanctuary is a quaint place to visit. Although I have visited there before we were there for a different reason. My daughter had to do community service for her scholarship she's working towards. Bonnie the owner, was generous enough to allow teenagers to do so. The staff was very nice, patient, and helpful (especially Jazmine). And because of this, we will forever be a patron.

  • William Hall

Had a blast! Plenty of exotic birds you will not get to see very often. We talked with several birds that could say "Hello! I love you! How are you? Goodbye!" It is sad to see that some of the birds are stressed. I hope more people come donate momey to help them better take care of the rescued animals. Check out their other animals too. Keep your hands away from the cages though!

  • Christie Jensen

We love taking our 3 year old to see the animals and birds. The volunteers have always been so nice and engaging. We recently met the new Operations Director and a long time employee named Linda. They both seem like lovely, caring ladies. I was blown away by the improvements that have taken place, since our last visit. It is a hidden gem, go check it out!

  • Jazmin Ortiz

Before entrance fee was donation based & I wouldn't of mind what I paid yesterday but they barely have that many animals & most birds you can't see around the huge cages its boarded up with plastic. Not much interaction anymore and the goats as well. Specific times only. Not worth the money we paid. Wish it was how it was before about 2 years ago.

  • Gabriela R

Friendly staff! Would comment details about each animal and acknowledged us each time we met on the path . The animals had fresh food and water. The way the staff talked to the animals was very sweet; you can tell they genuinely care about the animals! Manager was great, spent time talking to us as well.

  • arthur bryant

Very nice place. Took my daughter and nephew they are are under 2 years old. They liked the goats and chicken walking around freely my daughter loves birds so she was pretty excited the whole time. Staff is really friendly. Over all we had an awesome time wish they had a food court of something like that

  • Antionnet Perera

Amazing place for family and fun!! We've been here several times since childhood, it's a family tradition to visit for fall/winter. Don't get me wrong though, they have great pick all year round! Wonderful staff and well kept grounds.If you want an inexpensive, fun filled day, this is the place for you!

  • Daniel Collins

This is probably one of the best go to, low key places to go in Vegas to see some pretty cool animals and... it's free. They have a donation box, but be aware that these animals are normally rescued (I believe) so some birds might have patches of hair missing, etc. But they are very entertaining.

  • Crystal Leslie

Jennifer gave us an amazing tour of the sanctuary and told us about every single animal there. Such a beautiful place to stroll with your family or loved ones! They even have an amphitheater, party room, and many picnic areas where they encourage you to bring your own food and snacks :)

  • Alex Ognev

A great place to go for a stroll with my wife and be around animals. We met a number of wonderful staff and volunteers, caring for the parrots, goats, pigs, and other creatures. It is enjoyable just to see animals relax, play, and get into shenanigans. A sanctuary for rescued animals.

  • Johnna Maestas

We came for the trick or treat event and it was the most thoughtful and well put together little day! My kids loved it!!! And we had the best time seeing the animals and walking around enjoying the time together. The animals are cute and it was so fun seeing them well taken care of!

  • Jeffrey Funicello

Great people with kind attitudes. The bird exhibit is very nice. The grounds are clean and just the right size to let the kids run around and still keep an eye on them. Contributions only to get in and you can bring your picnic lunch. Great field trip destination. Fun, casual time.

  • Sarah D

Love coming here on a nice day, it's a great place to take the kids! There's no charge, but they accept donations. Lots of awesome birds to see, and also goats, llamas, pigs, donkeys, and more! Also plenty of picnic tables to have some lunch. Nice little hidden gem here.

  • KittenKalina Layla

Super fun and educational! You can absolutely tell the love and care that they have for the animals that reside here. Went for the first time and had an amazing time! Definitely going to come back! I love it there! Also, when I get the chance I'm going to donate to them!

  • Karenlee Keeton

Absolutely a must do, at least once a month. With kids, by yourself, with friends, we have gone here and the LV Farm, and Gilcrease Orchard for about 12 years. Nice to have community support! It's really nice, peaceful, worthwhile use of weekend time. Lol.

  • Jyotisankar Panda

One of the best places you can take your kids at Las Vegas. Kids would have a great time with birds and animals at sanctuary. My kid loved it, definitely recommended to visit if you have small kids in family and want to have them a good time.

  • T “Mintedjuleps” Shoemaker

One word. Passion. The staff here is focused on quality of life, diet, enrichment, and safety for the animals. I love the attention given to the smallest details. The amphitheater is perfect for outdoor education. I definitely will go back

  • Dream Guy

Took our grandson back to see everything again. Lots of changes, for the better. Less animals but much cleaner. I do feel the new entry prices are a little stiff for what's there. I'm also aware it costs to feed the animals, best of luck.

  • Jason Chacko

Great conservatory with a mission worth of support: rescuing exotic pets from owners unable to continue caring for them. The animals looked happy, the staff was very friendly and our kids enjoyed a nature walk with a ton of exotic birds.

  • Josh Burfield

Everyone is very educated on the animals and is more then willing to sit and introduce you to everyone. All the birds have their own unique personalities. Some will even come up to say hello! Had a great time and will be back very soon!

  • Jay Passerine

I was told by some locals that this place is awesome. They were right. The staff is really nice and the animals are great. If you're looking for a typical zoo experience, this is probably not the place for you, though. The animals are

  • Selena Forever

Ok, this place is awesome. The animals are so cute and friendly and they play around. The birds talk, they don’t try to attack. Also the ostrich fell in love with my sister . Anyways please come the heat and walk is so worth it! …

  • Amanda

We had a wonderful time at the sanctuary. We loved feeding the goats, ducks and geese. It was a nice relaxing afternoon and plenty of birds, pigs, donkeys and more to see. Staff were knowledgeable and very friendly. We will come back!

  • Tessa Riedinger

We loved taking our 2 year old here and will definitely be back. They put a lot of care into their animals and it's nice to be able to see it. They care for birds, pigs, turtles, lamas, emu, ostrich, peacocks, turkeys and much more!

  • Jc Sezzso

I love it here, so many animals all being taken care of at once, with a long history of doing so! Great place to bring the kids and visit and its away from the center of town so its very quiet and peaceful. Keep up the great work!

  • Lola Quinonez

Our family enjoyed the farm today!! They felt very special to be able to feed the llamas and donkeys and also got to pet the pigs! Thanks to the wonderful staff!! The birds were also amazing, we will be visiting more often!

  • Max Jacobs

So much fun! My kids love this place even after 3 visits. We will definitely be back again. We greatly appreciate the work they're doing here for all the animals and making them available for the public to experience.

  • ventured out

This place is very unique. They have a ton of animals and trees here. The birds are very talkative. Seems like its pretty well maintained and a fun place to take a family! Its like a little secret oasis. Check it out!

  • Ruth Hyland

This was a lovely escape from the noise and crowds of the city. They are doing good work rescuing birds and other pets. It was not busy when we were there and could spend time talking to the birds. We'll be back.

  • Carlos Guzman

It's small but you have to respect what they do. The macaws are hilarious. The goats are friendly and cool. My favorite are the tortoises. Stop in, make a donation and be nice to Bella the biting goat.

  • Char Xxxxx

A fantastic place to take the family for the day. Adult entrance fee $10. Veterans and seniors $8. Kids $5. Bring a picnic lunch and sit on the grass. Check their website for the activity schedule.

  • Jace Taylor

This place is always so fun! They treat the animals there very well, and there are so many different types I know that must be an incredible challenge. These guys do a great job, always a good time

  • Heidy Sotolongo hernandez

A germ in the middle of the desert , Come with your family and enjoy variety of animals.The open air birds is enjoyable because of they talk BYE, HELLO,HI,THERE hahaha so funny talk to the birds.

  • D Fin

What a fun place. So many hidden little places to see animals. Can’t believe how fast the tortoise moved. Loved story time. And what a surprise when I looked up on the hill. Employees were great.

  • Yamileth Uribe

Had an amazing time getting to see the animals and feeding the donkeys especially getting to go in with the goats and petting them. Would definitely recommend coming here absolutely loved it.

  • Penny Newson

Great little place for kids! We take ours at least once a year. The staff are friendly and will answer any questions you have. Don't expect a zoo, but for Vegas its worth the trip out there.

  • Cintia Molina

I love to go this lovely place I’m volunteer every chance I have to be able to share new experiences. Sylvia is great with all the birds, thank you so much for all your hard work …

  • MAYAA

So much fun!!! Went on a field trip with my vet science class. There were so many different kinds of animals and birds. The talking birds and baby tortoise were by for my favorite part

  • Kelsey Borunda

Loved it here so many neat animals to see. My son loved being able to go in the letting zoo part. Birds are so cute and talkative. Definitely recommend taking your whole family

  • Deborah Gandy

Such a great sanctuary for the animals! They are all rescues! You can tell everyone there loves the animals, especially the volunteers. The birds talk, dance. Love this place

  • Julie Musser

I was sad there was no petting or feeding allowed :( but the property was a nice get away from the busy strip. I love animals so always 5 stars if animals are involved! :)

  • D M

Friendly staff and easy to walk around. It would be nice if they had a petting section as my granddaughter was disappointed in that, but was a nice little outing for us.

  • Mark Clark

Kids had a blast, definitely feels like you've escaped the city which is always nice. Definitely will be back once the enclosures are open more from the cooler weather.

  • Christina Cornwell

It is fantastic to see a place that takes care of animals. It does not cost much to get in. You can take pictures. I have never seen so many birds in my life

  • Allen Peplinski

Amazing transformation over the last year. The grounds look amazing and the animals are all super friendly. Love hanging out here and glad we live so close.

  • Divination Witch6

My husband and I delighted in talking with the birds, watching the ducks bob in water and hearing a big pig snore in deep sleep. We will definitely be back!

  • Austin Sheffer

Great staff! Manager was really friendly! Animals are all well kept and cute . Would recommend for all ages. Definitely coming back soon!! …

  • Alex Buchanan

This nature sanctuary was amazing. George was very welcoming and informative. They took our visit to the next level. I cannot wait to come back!

  • Steve Valenti

The nicest people run this place and there are so many great birds to look at and get up close with. Such a fun experience for the whole family

  • Matthew Pirtle

Thank you for giving these beautiful birds a forever home. There is not just birds here but also more animals. Great place to bring the kids.

  • Adan Reynolds

I wish more people could provide help and visit this place! I love it, and it's a great chance to help nature for what we humans have taken.

  • Ebru Cetin

The animals seem well cared for and the place was clean. Jocelyn was very nice with showing us the emu and goats. Will definitely be back.

  • Ella b4

This was actually super fun. It doesn't cost anything but asks for donations. The birds talk to you and are so amazing to interact with.

  • Andrea Ortiz

Very neat place, my kids really enjoyed coming here to come see the animals. It's wonderful what this place has done for these animals.

  • Mary Moss

We love this place. The animals are well taken care of. You can tell the people that work & volunteer there genuinely love it there.

  • Michelle Goertz

A great place for a short afternoon excursion. It's nice what they are doing for the animals. Entirely run by friendly volunteers.

  • Things In Nashville

Ok .. this isnt in Nashville. I'm visiting my son in Vegas. This is a neat little place. It's free but ask for donations.

  • Thao Nguyen

Great place to visit if you have some time to kill. Small but perfect for a quick visit. Free, but donations accepted.

  • Ginger Snaps

Great place to volunteer at. I love working with all the animals. A great place to take your family and friends!

  • Court W.

This is a great place to volunteer or spend time. The animals are well cared for and the people are always nice.

  • Lauren G

New manager is passionate about the animals. You can tell that the staff are taking good care of the rescues

  • Osvaldo Zabala

I had a wonderful experience. The trip was very informative and it was amazing seeing these exotic animals.

  • Justin Kerr

Super fun for the kids. Learn about animals, in a fun and safe atmosphere. The whole family will love it!

  • Judy Weigand

My son Mat, dil, Katie and grandkids too me to see the birds and animals- plus we feed the goats leaves.

  • imcheesy

I love this place !. Knowing all the animals are rescued . Makes me want to donate and go more.

  • Jared McArthur

First time visitors and it was a great experience. Being able to groom the goats was awesome.

  • Mizuka Lmao

I had a good time here they were very informative about the animals I would come here again

  • CoryAnn Moss-Peavler

Nice little hideaway to visit many types if animals. Animals are well kept and healthy!

  • Adam Keys

Great place to take the kids. Don't miss the parrot buildings. They have a lot to say.

  • Vanessa P

Beautiful place for these well kept animals, kids and adults enjoyed it very much

  • Tai Tui

My kids loved it and will definitely come again when we have family visiting

  • Cadlynne Dovel

Very nice staff, animals are well taken care of, very serene little place.

  • Marsha Raczniak

This place is Awesome. These animals are so precious. Had the best time.

  • Jonathan Diaz

Stumble here on accident. Kids loved it and great space to walk

  • Ed McCay

Beautiful environment with so many wonderful birds and animals.

  • Mariah Jones

Very nice place to go and walk around and visit some animals.

  • Diana vaquero

Love this place , they take well care of all the birdies !

  • Jaslyne Romero

it was a great experience, and i had a lot of fun!

  • Dan Dirksen

Cool place. Clean. Birds are louder than expected.

  • :3

I came for a school field trip :D it was so fun.

  • amanda rouse

Took my daughter here today and it was amazing!

  • Eternal Sunshine

We loved coming here and will be back often!

  • Mathew Weigand

Great little place. Fun for all ages