Wild Canid Research Center
(Wolf Sanctuary Trip)
The Wolf Sanctuary is located west of St. Louis and has been around for many years. Marland Perkins, Wild Kingdom fame of the 70's, founded this research center to study the wolf. Each year, the Outdoorsmen Club travels to St. Louis and enjoys and afternoon activity in the city before venturing out to the Canid Center for the evening. We are treated to a "campfire" story telling session before heading out into the dark to find the wolves. After a half mile hike everyone quietly listens... guides will simulate wolf howls as we are just outside the massive wolf enclosure. If all goes well, the research wolves will begin their own howls in answer. On our best nights, the wolves will begin howling at each other which will last for about 5-8 minutes before they calm. Many times, if extremely quiet, we can hear the wolves run and actually smell them as they come down the mountain to investigate who or what is at the edge of their "territory!"
The evening begins with "Campfire Stories"
After listening to the wolves howl, it is back to the Canid Shelter for some hot chocolate and more stories.