I was very disappointed by the article entitled "Animal rights group trying to stop export of five beluga whales to Mystic Aquarium" (Apr. 30). I expect better from our local paper because I usually see better. The headline and article make it sound like the evil Aquarium is conniving to steal innocent whales from their happy Canadian home for nefarious reasons. In reality, the Aquarium is the good guy. They are dedicated to research and conservation and are working to save five whales from a dangerously overcrowded facility in Canada. These whales were born in captivity and cannot be released to the wild, so they have to be kept somewhere. Isn't it better to have them here with our Aquarium's proven record of well-cared-for animals and powerful educational programs, rather than a place where they are kept in a crowded tank with 50 whales? Of course it is. Let's show some respect for a great local institution that serves both animals and humans in the community so well.

How about this for a headline: “Local aquarium seeks to save whales from overcrowded facility”?

Michael Whitehouse

Groton