The article by Joe Wojtas on the collaboration of Mystic Aquarium and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University to develop coronavirus testing for marine animals is shocking to me, “Mystic Aquarium developing coronavirus testing for marine mammals,” (May 5). The team of scientists here wants to compare whales living in the wild who carry the virus with whales living in the aquarium.

How will the testing be done? I am against experimenting with them.

Our aquarium is wonderful by showing us how aquatic mammals behave. Our whales especially evoke strong emotions. They have given thousands of landlubbers a glimpse into ancient sea life. That should be enough.

Can't we find a better way to study this? We apparently have many survivors of the coronavirus who are willing to help with blood donations. They can also talk to us about their experiences to give us comfort.

Carol McDermott

Mystic