In ancient Egypt, the stork was associated with the soul, of which it was the hieroglyph. In Hebrew, it evoked kindness and mercy. Germanic countries used to protect storks because their souls were said to be human. Having a nest on the roof of a house was supposed to protect it from fires. In the years 1960-70, the Alsatian stork had almost disappeared from the region. Ornithologists and enthusiasts mobilized to save this emblematic bird. The Stork village of Alsace network, of which Riquewihr is part, was created in October 2009. Member municipalities signed a chart and undertook to encourage the reception of storks.