Facts & Information Text




2001 is the 30th year anniversary of the Wild Canid Survival and Research Center. For 30 years, we have dedicated ourselves to the plight of the wolf and have successfully bred wolves for reintroduction to the wild. With the wild population of the red wolf on the increase, our efforts now concentrate on the release of the Mexican gray wolf into its native range in the Southwest.
Mexican Wolf Puppy Picture More Mexican gray wolves have been born in our secluded enclosures than at any other U.S. facility, including the first successful litter conceived in captivity. Nine out of the ten Mexican gray wolves scheduled to be the first released to the wild were born and raised at the Wild Canid Center. In addition to the red and Mexican gray wolves, the WCSRC is also one of the few facilities to house maned wolves from South America. 



The Wild Canid Center

  • Sponsored the first meeting of wolf biologists in 1971.
  • Hosted the first two International Symposiums on Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in Washington D.C. in 1974 and St. Louis in 1977.
  • Was the first institution to participate in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's red wolf and Mexican gray wolf captive breeding programs.
  • Is a voting member of the red wolf, Mexican gray wolf and maned wolf Species Survival Plans.
  • Has been the birth site of more Mexican gray wolves born in captivity than any other U.S. facility. (70 animals)
  • In December 1993 was the first of two USFWS cooperators to exchange Mexican gray wolves with a Mexican institution.
  • Is the birth site of more Mexican gray wolves selected for the first release in the southwestern United States than any other facility.
  • Has been the birth site of 28 of the red wolves born in captivity.
  • Contributed one of the first red wolves to be reintroduced into the wild in North Carolina.
  • Raised the female red wolf that was the first to give birth in the wild.
  • Sponsors noninvasive behavioral research on wolves onsite and in their natural habitat.
  • Maintains a library and data bank for the use of a wide variety of people ranging from elementary students to international scientists.
  • Hosts approximately 40,000 visitors annually.




- When was the WCSRC established?
In 1971, by Dr. & Mrs. R. Marlin Perkins.

- How many acres does the WCSRC encompass?
The WCSRC leases 65 acres from Tyson Research Center for a nominal fee. At the present time, about 20 of the acres are developed.

- How many acres does Tyson encompass?
2,000 acres.

- What is Tyson Research Center?
Tyson Research Center is owned and operated by Washington University. It is a biological research station for biology students- a place they can carry out graduate thesis projects and the like.

- What was the Tyson area?
Tyson used to be a munitions storage area during World War II. Washington University bought the land in 1963.

- Is the WCSRC run by Tyson?
No. The WCSRC leases land from Tyson for a minimal fee. We receive no funding from Washington University.

- How much funding does the WCSRC receive from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
The WCSRC receives funds from the USFWS only to reimburse it for extraordinary expenses.

- How many members does the WCSRC have?
About 1,500.

- How many places are there like the WCSRC in the U.S.A.?
For many years, the WCSRC was the only captive breeding facility that breeds both the red wolf and the Mexican gray wolf. As of May 1993, there are only two other facilities that can claim that distinction: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and the Fort Worth Zoo, both in Texas. About 35 facilities are involved with the red wolf breeding effort; about 43 facilities keep certified Mexican gray wolves.

- What do the wolves at the WCSRC eat?
Each wolf gets 2 pounds per day of dry dog food; either Purina Hi-Pro or Pro-Plan Lite, both from Ralston Purina or Mazuri Exotic Canine diet, from Purina Mills, Inc. The wolves also hunt any small animals that stray into their enclosures, such as raccoon and opossum. The dry food is supplemented by large cow bones from Zerna Meats in Labadie, Missouri.

- If the wolves are fed dog food, how will they learn to hunt game when they are released?
Before the wolves are actually released, they are housed in acclimation pens; this allows them to get used to the new area that they will be living in. Initially they are still fed the dry food; they are then fed road killed carcasses, and then live game trapped from the surrounding area. This process takes only a few short months, and then the wolves can make it on their own.

- Why aren't all of the wolves in one big enclosure?
We separated our wolves for various reasons. (1) We want to keep each species and subspecies pure. For example; if you wanted to breed pure German shepherds, you would make sure yours mated with another pedigreed German shepherd. (2) Since we are a captive breeding facility, we often have certain wolves we want offspring from. These wolves are paired and kept in enclosures by themselves or with some of their offspring. (3) One wolf pack may not tolerate the presence of another wolf pack. (4) By keeping the individual wolves or packs in smaller enclosures, we are better able to monitor how the wolves are eating. We are also better able to observe any possible health problems.

- Can we pet the wolves?
No. The wolves are wild animals. We do not play, interact, or socialize with them. We only handle them when they are getting a checkup from the veterinarian, or if we have to move them from enclosure to enclosure. Since some of our wolves or their offspring might be involved in a release someday, we keep them as wild as possible under the circumstances. This will hopefully increase their chances in the wild someday.

- How can I make arrangements to see the wolves?
Simply call the Wild Canid Center at 636.938.5900. One of our representatives will be happy to tell you what dates and times are available for our educational programs and tours. Reservations are required for visits. Or come to our annual Open House, the first Sunday in October from 9am to 5pm. No reservations are required that one day, and we have special presentations from groups like Native American Dancers, the Gateway Sled Dog Club, and much more!


* Wolf Factoids *

* Maned Wolf Info *

* Red Wolf Info *

* Iranian Wolf Info *

* Wolf-Hybrid Info *


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Wild Canid Survival and Research Center
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