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Cover description: Wolves (Canis lupus) on the island of Isle Royale, Michigan USA. Inbreeding depression, manifest as congenital bone deformities in the vertebral column, is present in Isle Royale wolves. One conservation policy choice in response to inbreeding depression is genetic rescue. Such a decision could involve at least four values: (1) a wilderness value whose virtue is non-interference; (2) the value of healthy populations and ecosystems; (3) the value of gaining more scientific knowledge about genetic rescue; and (4) an animal welfare value of possibly reducing the chance that future Isle Royale wolves experience pain associated with the observed bone deformities. We apply a novel empirical conservation ethics approach to explore: (1) ethical paradigms invoked in justifying policy choices; (2) objects of moral relevance related to choices; and (3) ascriptions of responsibility for action. The study published on pages 394-401 may help position the conservation community to better resolve and diffuse key human dimensions of conservation problems. Photo courtesy of John and Leah Vucetich. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]