There are plenty of places within easy reach of Ellisville where you can see our native animal species in the wild. You can also see more unusual or endangered animals at centers where the staff work hard to protect and, where possible, reintroduce them into their natural habitat. Here are four of the best locations to check out the wildlife.
Castlewood State Park
Less than five miles from Ellisville lies the Castlewood State Park, once a popular party resort for people escaping the city of St. Louis in the early 1900s. The park is now a natural haven of almost 2,000 acres, where you can follow the 26-miles of trails which take in the park's ridges and valleys and the banks of the Meramec River.
The park is a great place for bird watching with 191 species recorded, including many waterfowl, vultures, hawks, kingfishers, great blue herons, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. You may also be fortunate enough to spot mink, river otters, beavers, skunks, and white-tailed deer, among others.
Lone Elk Park
During WWII, this area was used for the storage and testing of ammunition. After the war, it became a county park and herds of bison and elk were established. However, during the Korean War, the park was taken back by the government and the herds were destroyed. A single bull elk survived and the park's name was later changed to Lone Elk Park. In the 1960s, the herds were re-established and still thrive.
Designated as a wildlife management area, the park is home to elk, deer, bison, wild turkey and many bird species. The best time to see the herd animals is before 8 a.m. when the staff feeds them.
World Bird Sanctuary
Next door to Lone Elk Park is the
World Bird Sanctuary set up in 305 acres of forest. The mission of the sanctuary is a combination of rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education.
There are large enclosures for non-releasable birds, and you'll see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks, pelicans, a variety of owls, and more. Other animals at the sanctuary include snakes and bats. The sanctuary runs free family-friendly seasonal shows where you can meet some of the animals close up.
Endangered Wolf Center
Around 14 miles from Ellisville is one of St. Louis' best-kept secrets, the
Endangered Wolf Center, which was set up more than 40 years ago. The dedicated staff at the nonprofit wildlife facility want to see a world in which endangered wolves can exist and thrive in their natural habitat.
At the center, you'll find Mexican wolves, red wolves, and maned wolves, as well as other canid species, such as African painted dogs, swift foxes, and fennec foxes. You can symbolically adopt individual animals or an entire pack in return for membership of the Endangered Wolf Center and additional benefits.
A visit to these parks and animal sanctuaries enables you to enjoy Missouri's native animals in their natural habitat and contribute to the conservation of endangered species.
Image via Flickr by
pasa47 |
CC BY 2.0.
