Founded in 1971 by noted naturalist Dr. Marlin Perkins, his wife Carol and a group concerned about the plight of canids (carnivorous mammals, including the foxes, wolves, dogs, jackals, and coyotes). The Wild Canid Center is dedicated to the preservation of the wolf and other endangered canids through education, research and captive breeding. The center is located on 63 isolated, wooded acres 20 miles southwest of St. Louis. This is the first facility in the United States to have a captive breeding program for both red and Mexican gray wolves. Open for tours by appointment only. Special programs and group activities are offered. See Web site for schedules.