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Wild Animals

If you have any interest in the big bad wolf, you can arrange a visit to a place internationally known for its work in raising endangered wolves and releasing them back into the wild. It’s the Wild Canid Survival & Research Center (636/938-5900) in Eureka, where the often misunderstood wolf gets a new chance.

Wolves have been trapped, shot and poisoned by private individuals and even government agencies. Bounties used to be paid for them. “For some reason, wolves have always gotten a bad reputation. I guess it starts with the ‘Big Bad Wolf’ in children’s literature,” says Kimberly Scott, assistant director of a center that is the only American Zoo and Aquarium Association-accredited wolf facility in the world.

Popularly known as the Wolf Sanctuary, the 63-acre Wild Canid Survival & Research Center was founded in 1971 by famed zoo figure Marlin Perkins, whose influence is everywhere. There are two other places in the US where wolves are raised but nothing comes close to rivaling the scope of operations here. Various types of wolves roam in large, fenced in-compounds, including the maned wolf from South America and the Mexican gray wolf, the most endangered in the world.

You can’t just walk with the wolves, however. You need to call ahead for a scheduled time as one-hour guided tours are given to groups for a fee of $50. If you happen to be in the area on most Saturdays, there’s an open house with admission at $9. Note that the center is open by appointment only in April and May, traditional months when wolf babies are born.

Of course, if you’re visiting here, you don’t want to miss a long-time stellar attraction: the St. Louis Zoo (314/781-0900, 800/966-8877). With 11,400 animals, it’s universally viewed as one of the finest zoos in the world. Take the Zoo Line Railroad to get an overview of where everything is located. You can cool off in the latest edition [sic], the Penguin and Puffin Coast. The zoo next year is opening its Fragile Forest, an outdoor habitat for chimpanzees, lowland gorillas and orangutans. Oh, yes, did I also mention: it’s free?

Pet and Family-Friendly Lodging & Eats

St. Louis is an animal lover. If you don’t believe it, consider that there are more than 60 hotel rooms that accept pets within 15 minutes of Purina Farms. Clayton on the Park (314/290-1500, 800/323-7500), however, has an even louder bark. The city’s only combined hotel and apartment, Clayton has a VIPet package that includes an aluminum doggie dish with kibbles, fresh water with a mint leaf, a chewable toy and a scarf personalized with the pet’s name, of course. Pets can be walked at Shaw Park across the street. There’s a limit of two dogs and a deposit requirement. The hotel staff also keeps a supply of dog treats on hand for canine guests.

St. Louisians are animal lovers, yes, but not necessarily vegetarians. For low-cost family dining in the St. Louis area, Imo’s Pizza has dominated the landscape for more than 40 years. There are several locations for sit-down dining. If you can’t stand to leave your pet behind, Imo’s also offers carry-out and delivery of St. Louis style pizzas, which generally substitute provolone for the more traditional mozzarella cheese. Lion’s Choice is a popular chain that has freshly prepared sandwiches made with top-round beef, slow roasted on the premises. Super Smokers BBQ which has won several national awards, also has several locations. Diners order at the counter and wait for a waitress to bring their food. There are various family packages.