Endangered Wolf Center
- Nature & parks
- In Eureka, Missouri
- 0.1 mi from Route 66
The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, MO, is a nonprofit wildlife facility that breeds critically endangered wolves and helps return them to the wild. Marlin Perkins, the naturalist, started it in 1971 together with his wife, Carol. It holds more Mexican wolves than any other managed breeding site, plus red wolves, maned wolves and other wild dogs. Visits are by reservation, and it lies less than a mile off the old road.
What is Endangered Wolf Center?
The center focuses on Mexican wolves and red wolves, along with other wild members of the dog family. Its staff manage breeding, run education programs and study the animals' breeding, behavior and diet. It holds Association of Zoos and Aquariums certification.
As of August 2026, six endangered canid species lived here: Mexican and red wolves, maned wolves, swift foxes, fennec foxes and African painted dogs. The center kept upward of 20 Mexican gray wolves, a large share given that only 286 were known to live in the wild in 2026.
History of Endangered Wolf Center
Marlin Perkins, a well-known naturalist, founded the center in 1971 with his wife Carol when he saw wolves worldwide heading toward extinction.
The results reach far beyond Missouri. Red wolves born here have gone back into the wild in North Carolina, and Mexican wolves have been released in Arizona and New Mexico. It was among the founders of the AZA's Species Survival Plans for both the Mexican wolf and the red wolf.
Visiting Endangered Wolf Center: tips
You cannot just drop in: tours are by reservation, so book before you set out. Plan on an hour or two for a guided visit.
The Mexican wolves have a Route 66 link of their own, since some of this center's animals have been released in Arizona and New Mexico, two states the old road crosses.
Nearby, Forest 44 Conservation Area is about 1.1 miles away, Route 66 State Park about 2.2 miles, and Castlewood State Park about 2.5 miles.
Practical info
- Address
- 6750 Tyson Valley Rd, Eureka, MO 63025
- Phone
- +1 636-938-5900
- Website
- endangeredwolfcenter.org
- Hours
- Mon, Wed–Sun 9–4
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
Where to eat near Endangered Wolf Center
All diners on Route 66 →
On the map
Full mapEndangered Wolf Center with the 6 closest stops and a place to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.
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Stops near Endangered Wolf Center
All of Missouri
1.1 mi from Endangered Wolf Center
2.2 mi from Endangered Wolf Center
2.5 mi from Endangered Wolf Center
2.8 mi from Endangered Wolf Center
6.2 mi from Endangered Wolf Center
6.5 mi from Endangered Wolf Center
Questions about Endangered Wolf Center
Can you visit the Endangered Wolf Center?
Yes, but visits are by reservation, so book a tour ahead of time.
Who founded the Endangered Wolf Center?
Marlin Perkins, a naturalist, together with his wife, Carol, in 1971.
What animals live there?
As of August 2026: Mexican and red wolves, maned wolves, swift foxes, fennec foxes and African painted dogs.
Own or run Endangered Wolf Center? Send us a photo or a correction.