Staff and volunteers of the Endangered Wolf Center—Missouri’s only conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of wolves and other wild canids—will hold the center's annual fall open house today (Sept. 15) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Eureka.

The all-day event features many opportunities for visitors to view and photograph endangered wolves and canids from around the world. Admission is only $25 per carload. Proceeds from admissions will benefit the Endangered Wolf Center and its many programs developed to help preserve the wolf.

Wolf Fest is the only opportunity for the public to visit the center without prior reservations. In addition to the opportunity to view and photograph endangered wolves from around the world, visitors will enjoy exhibits from local conservation groups, demonstrations by the Kahok Dancers, a local Native American dance group and demonstrations from local canine groups like Gateway Search Dogs, Gateway Sled Dogs and the St. Louis County Police K-9 Unit.

Live music will be performed by local recording artist Loran Cavano and the High Road. There will also be fun games and activities for children, such as face painting and a coloring contest as well as leather crafts by Tandy Leather.

The center's gift shop will feature unique wares including: shirts, artwork, plush wolves, and other interesting wolf-related merchandise.

A silent auction tent showcasing special items also will be featured. Food, provided by the Pfremmer Family and Pfoodman Catering, will be available for purchase.

Founded in 1971 by renowned naturalist Marlin Perkins, the Endangered Wolf Center is certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Center’s mission is to save endangered canid species through breeding programs and to re-establish these species into their native habitats and increase awareness through education programs. Wolves born at the facility have been reintroduced to North Carolina (red wolves) and Arizona/New Mexico (Mexican gray wolves) and Canada (swift foxes). The center’s research focuses on reproductive, behavioral, and nutritional needs for the species housed, as identified and approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the AZA Canid Taxon Advisory Group. The Endangered Wolf Center is a founding member of the AZA’s Mexican Wolf and Red Wolf Species Survival Plans.

DIRECTIONS TO ENDANGERED CENTER:

The Endangered Wolf Center is located at Washington University’s Tyson Research Center at 6750 Tyson Valley Road in Eureka. It is accessed by Interstate 44 and Exit 269 (located on the north side of the highway), seven miles west of Interstate 270. This year, MoDOT has the west bound No. 269 ramp closed due to construction. So visitors will need to pass No. 269 and exit at Lewis Road (the next exit heading west) and make a U-turn heading back east on Interstate 44 to exit at No. 269. When you exit you will turn right and cross over the highway—the EWC is located on the north side of the highway.