Letter to the Editor

Wildlife gets poor treatment at Capaha Park

To the editor:

I recently revisited Capaha Park after being away from Cape Girardeau for 12 years. I was quite disappointed with the condition of the pond and surrounding park area. Plastic bottles and cups littered the pond's edge. There was a thick film of debris hovering there as well. Little boys were throwing rocks at the ducks. One bird sat helplessly on land with an injured leg. I saw no signs discouraging littering or throwing rocks. Nor did I see anyone patrolling the area.

Feeding the ducks and geese bread crumbs at Capaha Park is an event young people have enjoyed for years. However, I am now not certain that the ducks should intentionally be put within arm's reach of the public. The lack of respect for their home is obvious. Measures should be taken to clean up the park and to secure a safe haven for the wildlife that call it home. If this cannot be achieved, the ducks should be relocated to a pond that is more isolated from the public.

LISA POOL

Lawrence, Kan.