I enjoy Las Vegas, the bright lights and fabulous stage shows, the Grand Canyon and desert trips. But when I get weary of the Las Vegas Strip, I take a short drive to Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary.
Opened in 1970 it offers a safe haven for all animals. It does not charge entry. It is suitable for all ages, and is easy to walk around – just make sure you have a hat and plenty of drinking water.
Most parrots arrive without feathers, but with love and care they become very tame and visitors are encouraged to talk and pet them.
I was lucky to see 2 nervous porcupines arriving, they would not come out of their purpose built home even for a fresh banana; the following year they were not there and staff told me that the porcupines had never settled but were lucky to be rehomed in a zoo.
The Sanctuary is run by volunteers who never turn down any animal. It is well worth just one visit but has become the highlight of my holiday for a few years now. I am more than happy to leave a donation because Gilcrease is dependent on support of the general public for its survival.
