Endangered Wolf Center facts for kids
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| Date opened | 1971 |
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| Location | Eureka, Missouri, United States |
| Coordinates | 38°30′56″N 90°33′08″W / 38.5155°N 90.5522°W |
| Memberships | AZA |
The Endangered Wolf Center is a special place in Eureka, Missouri, near St. Louis, USA. It's a non-profit organization, which means it doesn't make money for owners. Instead, it works hard to save and bring back very rare wolves and other wild dog species. The center is approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which means it meets high standards for animal care. You can visit the center, but you need to book a tour first!
Contents
Saving Wolves and Wild Dogs
The Endangered Wolf Center focuses on protecting and bringing back different types of wolves and wild dogs. These animals are often called canids. The center helps species that are in danger of disappearing forever.
Why Was the Center Started?
The center began in 1971. It was founded by a famous naturalist named Marlin Perkins and his wife, Carol. They noticed that wolves all over the world were in danger. They wanted to create a safe place to help these animals survive.
What Does the Center Do?
The main goal of the center is to save and protect certain types of wolves. These include the Mexican wolf and the red wolf. They also work with other wild dog species. They do this in a few ways:
- Breeding: They carefully help wolves have babies in a safe environment.
- Reintroduction: They release wolves born at the center back into the wild.
- Education: They teach people about these amazing animals and why they need our help.
Wolves Back in the Wild
Many animals born at the center have been set free. Red wolves have gone to North Carolina. Mexican wolves have been released in Arizona and New Mexico. This helps grow the wild populations of these rare animals.
Research and Care
The center also does important research. They study what wolves need to be healthy. This includes their diet, how they behave, and how they reproduce. The Endangered Wolf Center is a key partner in plans to save Mexican and Red wolves. These plans are called Species Survival Plans.
Animals at the Center
As of 2016, the center was home to six types of endangered canids:
- Mexican wolves
- Red wolves
- Maned wolves
- African painted dogs
- Fennec foxes
- Swift foxes
The center had more than 20 Mexican gray wolves. This was more than any other breeding facility. In 2015, only about 97 Mexican wolves were known to live in the wild. The center plays a big part in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's plan to save Mexican wolves.
Visiting the Center
You can visit the Endangered Wolf Center! They offer tours during the day. They also have special evening events called "wolf howls." During these, you might hear the wolves howling! Remember, you need to make a reservation before you go.
How the Center is Supported
The Endangered Wolf Center is a non-profit organization. This means it does not get money from the government. It depends on support from people like you! Its programs are paid for by members, donors, and visitors.
The center is located on the land of Washington University in St. Louis' Tyson Research Center. It is about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of St. Louis. The center was first called the Wild Canid Survival and Research Center.
Images for kids
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Mexican wolves at the Endangered Wolf Center
