The Center for Wildlife in York announced this week it will purchase more than 8 acres of land and build a permanent home for the nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center.

The center plans to purchase 8.5 acres adjacent to the Mount Agamenticus to the Sea Conservation Initiative from the York Water District, but must raise $5,000 by May to complete the sale. The organization plans to build a new facility on the property.

The center has already raised $76,000 with help from nine donors, including a $10,000 donation from the Maine Beer Co. in Freeport. The Center for Wildlife has launched a Go Fund Me page to accept donations.

The Center for Wildlife was founded 30 years ago to provide medical care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. It serves the New England region and typically manages about 1,650 cases each year representing 190 species of birds, reptiles and mammals.

The clinic currently operates out of a 1,200-square-foot building and 45 outdoor enclosures. The centers board has discussed for many years the possibility of expanding into a larger building, according to Emma Balina, the development coordinator.

The new facility, which would be built in the future, would allow injured animals to receive medical testing, X-rays, treatment and rehabilitation in one stop. It also will allow the organization to add to its educational programming.