OKEECHOBEE — Located in Palm City, the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center focuses on everything from wildlife recovery to human discovery.

According to its website, the center began in 1974 when Jean Henry was asked by the local Audubon Society to accept phone calls about birds that needed help. Jean Henry and Ruth Stanwood moved to Martin County in 1969 and built a ranch on Kanner Highway. The first year they were able to help over 50 birds, paying for the care out of their own pockets.

In the beginning, they were known as the Martin County Audubon Wildlife Hospital. After the women retired, they were able to dedicate themselves full time to taking care of injured wildlife.

Believing most of the injuries came from human-related causes, Henry became an advocate for wild creatures and their habitats.

Stanwood passed away in 1985, and it became increasingly more difficult for Henry to handle the hospital on her own. In 1989, Henry passed away as well.

Her dream has endured though, states the website.

The center offers several learning opportunities for schools, groups and families. “They provide educational, scientific, cultural, and recreational benefits to the community, while helping to instill far-reaching values,” according to the website. Offering programs both on and off site, they will even bring the animals to your door.

“These programs help to ensure that present and future generations learn to appreciate their natural heritage, developing the attitudes and beliefs that are necessary for south Florida’s resources to be preserved.”

The center even offers tours of the facility at a cost of $10 per person.

The wildlife center is located at 8626 S.W. Citrus Boulevard in Palm City. They can be found online at https://www.tcwild.org/ or can be reached by phone at 772-286-6200.