Sandhill cranes were rescued from death's door. We are obliged to protect them. | Letters
Regarding the column, “Dear sandhill crane defenders: If you love them, let us hunt them.”
Cranes do not speak our language. Their behaviors are often more aligned with our moral ideals — loyalty, community, honesty, honor and integrity — than many humans. In some countries, cranes are symbols of peace. They are consequential beings who are committed to caring for their families and flocks, and I believe we have an obligation to protect them as they are unable to speak for themselves.
Wisconsin researchers recently conducted a study revealing that the majority of Wisconsinites do not support a crane hunt, so we must ask why are the desires of a minority of Wisconsin residents moving forward against the will of the people of Wisconsin?
In the 1800s, cranes were nearly hunted into extinction. With the help of the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, crane populations were preserved. The animals’ reemergence from death’s door is something to be celebrated and cherished, not met with new threats. Cranes stand proudly as individuals who have a God-given right to live, in my opinion.
For those who truly love nature, there are many other ways to enjoy it — hiking, bicycling, going for a long drive and/or turning part of your land into prairie are all ways to connect with nature. They can simultaneously replenish the mind, body and soul — and old-fashioned kindness is the best milk to nourish the soul. Cranes remind us to be peaceful and to be kind.
Wendy Wilson, Oconomowoc
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: There are better ways to connect with nature than crane hunt | Letters