Despite numerous efforts for liberation, whale Bella remains in captivity.
For nearly a decade, a barren water tank with concrete and artificial stone walls, located in the lower level of a major shopping center in South Korea, has been home to a beluga whale named Bella.
The Tragedy of Whale Bella
In 2013, a 2-year-old beluga whale was captured by vessels in Russian waters and sold to the Lotte World Aquarium – the largest aquarium in Seoul, South Korea. Subsequently, she and two male belugas, Belli and Bellu, became the most famous “characters” of this aquarium.
Bella is currently the only beluga whale at Lotte Aquarium in Seoul, South Korea.
Confined in a glass tank weighing 1,224 tons and 7.3 meters deep, the trio of whales attracted significant attention from visitors to the aquarium. Occasionally, the whales would display their playful and mischievous behavior as they swam around the glass tank, entertaining guests. Meanwhile, many children enjoyed tapping on the tank’s glass, hoping to catch the attention of these massive ocean creatures.
However, a tragic event occurred that led to Lotte World Aquarium facing criticism when the whale Bellu died at the age of 5 in 2016. Just three years later, Belli also passed away at the age of 12. The deaths of the two whales sparked a strong wave of criticism from animal rights activists in South Korea. This intense backlash eventually compelled Lotte to pledge to release Bella back into the ocean.
Jo Yak-gol, co-founder of the South Korean marine conservation group Hot Pink Dolphins, stated that the only remaining whale at Lotte Aquarium – Bella has been exhibiting signs of stress since her companions left: “Bella often swims around the tank unconsciously. I believe this is a sign of stress.”
Bella shows signs of concerning stress.
“There is nowhere else for her to stay”
In an email exchange with CNN regarding the failure to release Bella and the continued display of her despite commitments made in 2019, a spokesperson for Lotte stated that the plan remains in place and is in the “final stages.”
The spokesperson mentioned: “Lotte World Aquarium is doing its utmost to create the appropriate environment and timing for Bella’s release through ongoing discussions. The timing is being coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (South Korea) and is a top priority.”
Additionally, the spokesperson noted that Bella “is in good health” and is currently undergoing training to prepare for a “new marine environment.” When asked why Bella is still on display at the aquarium, the spokesperson stated: “At this time, there is nowhere else for her to stay.”
Releasing Bella is not easy as she has been separated from her mother since she was young.
On the other hand, Valeria Vergara, a leading marine biologist who has studied beluga whale populations in areas such as the Arctic Archipelago and Hudson Bay for over two decades, emphasized that releasing Bella into the wild will not be an easy task.
“The reality is that a whale like Bella would likely struggle to survive in the wild. Beluga whales learn everything from their mothers. Bella will lack the necessary skills and knowledge to survive (having been captured at a very young age). Will she know what to eat or where to migrate? Will she be accepted into any pods of dolphins? Can she communicate with other beluga whales (again)?”
The Dark Side of Captivity
Like wild animals kept as pets or used for elephant rides, the captivity of dolphins and whales for entertainment purposes is becoming increasingly controversial. This is largely due to findings from experts suggesting that animals experience distress when confined.
Although there have been some global changes regarding animal rights as countries move to ban activities involving riding or touching wild animals, there is still no consensus across the industry regarding the exhibition of animals like whales.
Activists from the Hot Pink Dolphins group hold a protest in front of Bella’s tank calling for her release.
In the wild, beluga whales are typically found in the Arctic Ocean, in the seas and coasts around Canada, North America, Russia, and Greenland. Experts say they are migratory animals, capable of swimming thousands of miles and diving over 900 meters among icebergs and narrow bays. They also add that their average lifespan in the wild ranges from 35 to 50 years. However, when kept in captivity, their lifespan is reduced to about half.
Arguing the matter, Valeria Vergara stated: “Any species with high intelligence and complex social structures, like beluga whales, cannot be happy in captivity. They will suffer from the lack of free will and the absence of mental stimulation. They cannot perform many of their natural behaviors when confined.”
“When you observe them in the wild, one of the most impressive things is their sense of touch and social communication. They move together in relatively large groups consisting of family members and companions. We refer to them as the ‘canaries of the sea’ because of their complex communication system, which includes whistles and calls, but they tend to be much quieter when kept in captivity,” the marine biologist added.
Time is Running Out
As the end of 2023 approaches, animal rights organizations are reiterating their calls for Bella’s liberation.
“It has been nearly five years, and Bella has suffered long enough. The Lotte Group must stop delaying as time is running out,” stated Jason Baker, Senior Vice President of PETA Asia.
Experts say there is still a chance for Bella to start a new life, but time is running out.
“Bella is suffering alone. A captive whale, especially one without any companions, will definitely experience chronic stress, which can weaken her immune system and ultimately shorten her lifespan,” Vergara stated.
To find the best solution for Bella, American dolphin activist O’Barry told CNN that he and his groups are ready to go to South Korea to transfer Bella to a sanctuary abroad, where she can be accompanied by other whales and experience the ocean once again.
