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The
Starfish Story
This
story, told countless times with various changes
of characters, is originally from the book "The
Star Thrower" by Loren Eisley. We believe it
explains some of the reasons for wildlife rehabilitation.
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One
day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy repeatedly
picking things up and gently tossing them into the ocean. Approaching
the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"
The
youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the water. The
surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw
them back, they’ll die."
"Son," the
man said, "don’t you realize there are miles and miles
of beach and thousands and thousands of starfish? You can’t
possibly make any difference!"
The
boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back
into the surf. Then, smiling up at the man, he said "It
sure made a difference to that one!"
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Goals and Purposes
The
Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital (TCWH)
is a private not-for-profit corporation, dedicated to the preservation
of wildlife and the conservation of natural habitats. We are
not a government agency. All funding for our efforts comes from public
and private grants and from concerned people thoughout the community.
Our goals and purposes include the rehabilitation
and return to the wild of sick, injured and orphaned wild
animals, as well as informational services directed toward the public
at large. Founded by Jean Henry and Ruth Stanwood in 1974, the Treasure
Coast Wildlife Hospital is the only facility of its kind serving
Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Palm Beach counties
in Florida.
TCWH
operates a comprehensive medical and
rehabilitative facility for the care of
wild animals. Our clinic accepts literally thousands of wild patients
each year, providing treatment for animals as diverse as bobcats,
eagles, alligators, and songbirds. Roughly 10 per cent of the animals
treated belong to "Listed" species (Endangered, Threatened,
Species of Special Concern). Upon completion of their rehabilitation,
these animals are returned to suitable wild habitats.
Our staff includes both trained professionals and dedicated volunteers from
all walks of life. In addition to our rehabilitative services, we provide
public education in a number of ways. Environmental Educators bring Outreach
Programs featuring live animals to a variety of school and adult
groups, and conduct guided interpretive tours through
many of the natural habitats in south Florida. Our educational efforts
are designed to increase public knowledge and appreciation of the unique
and fascinating wild places and wild animals found here.
Other community services are
also available through the TCWH. We are involved with the managment of
urban wildlife, offering both help and advice to homeowners as well as
businesses who encounter wild animals in their daily lives. Our staff
answers about 100 telephone calls a day, many of which are requests for
information about wildlife.
Your Treasure
Coast Wildlife Hospital is a community resource. Educators and homeowners,
tourists and residents alike, all benefit from our various programs and
services. Your membership in the TCWH will
allow us to continue these efforts.
TCWH
is currently in the process of creating a new facility, the Treasure
Coast Wildlife Center. This ambitious project will allow us to
enhance the services provided to our wild patients, and to our human
community.
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Click
an image to learn more about
Our history
Founder
Jean Henry
Our future
Staffer
Tim Brown
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