LAS VEGAS -- Workers at the Gilcrease Animal Sanctuary had been working around the clock to construct new aviaries for its exotic birds.

But the project wasn’t finished before a Friday morning fire that killed 250 birds and a watchdog at the facility in northwest Las Vegas.

“You know, it’s just not a good day for us,” Executive Director Sandra Salinas said, fighting back tears as she watched firefighters sift through the rubble of a collapsed building.

"We're very thankful about the animals that did survive, we're very unfortunate about the animals that did not survive," she said. "They were our favorite, they were our cockatoos, they were very intelligent, they worked well with the public, they worked well with the school children. It's just a large loss."

Video: 250 Birds Killed In Vegas Sanctuary Fire

The building, built in 1976, caught fire just after 5 a.m. A worker at the facility woke to the sound of panicked birds and popping noises that he first thought was someone throwing rocks at windows.

He looked up to see the fire and rushed to help two others get out, along with the majority of the 1,500 animals inside.

“The animals that did survive have a couple cuts,” Salinas said. “We have a baby deer that I have my veterinarian now taking a look at for smoke inhalation.”

The nonprofit sanctuary, on Racel Street near Durango Road and Grand Teton, houses numerous bird species, including ostriches, parrots, quail and ducks, alongside several animals such as turtles, goats and burros.

Recently the sanctuary had received a $500,000 grant to construct new aviaries. Salinas said that project will continue and she hopes to reopen soon after cleaning up the collapsed building and repairing damage to others.

“I have several vets who have called me. They’re all on their way to treat the animals so I’m very thankful to the community for reaching out and helping us,” she said.

Volunteer and donation information can be found on the sanctuary’s Web site.