For almost a decade, a female beluga whale named Bella has resided in a barren tank within a South Korean mega mall. Captured in Russian waters at the age of two in 2013, Bella was subsequently sold to the Lotte World Aquarium, Seoul’s largest aquarium, operated by one of South Korea’s major conglomerates. The aquarium also housed two male belugas, Belli and Bellu, creating a popular arctic-themed attraction featuring other polar animals like penguins and seals.
Bella and her companions lived in a 1,224-ton tank, 24 feet deep, often becoming subjects of visitors’ selfies and TikToks. However, tragedy struck when Bellu died at the age of 5 in 2016, followed by Belli’s death in 2019 at the age of 12. In the wild, beluga whales have an average life expectancy of 35 to 50 years. These deaths triggered criticism from South Korean animal rights activists, leading Lotte to pledge Bella’s release in 2019.
Despite this commitment, as of 2024, more than four years later, Bella remains on display, causing continued distress to animal rights activists. Lotte claims that release plans are still in place, with a spokesperson stating in November that the process was in its “final stage.” The company mentioned ongoing discussions with the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare to coordinate the timing of Bella’s release, emphasizing that she is undergoing training for a new sea environment.
However, videos provided to CNN suggest that Bella is displaying signs of stress, engaging in stereotypical behavior like spinning in circles and floating near the water’s surface. Lotte insists that Bella is in good health but did not provide further details on her prolonged display.
The controversial practice of keeping dolphins and whales in captivity for entertainment has faced increased scrutiny globally. Despite changes in some regions, the aquarium industry continues to thrive in East Asia, with ocean theme parks and commercial aquariums gaining popularity. Animal rights activists estimate around 300 beluga whales are held in captivity worldwide, and the industry’s growth raises concerns about the well-being of these highly intelligent and socially complex animals.
Bella’s case highlights the challenges of releasing captive whales, especially those caught at a young age. While the South Korean government announced a ban on aquariums buying new dolphins and whales in December 2023, Bella’s uncertain fate remains a focal point for animal rights campaigners. There are conflicting claims about the potential release location, with Lotte officials suggesting an Icelandic sanctuary and activists proposing a Norwegian sanctuary.
Operators of the Norwegian Whale Reserve (NWR) extended an official invitation to Lotte for Bella’s transfer to their sanctuary in Finnmark, Norway. While the company acknowledged delays in the Icelandic sanctuary due to environmental issues, the spokesperson stated ongoing discussions about various alternatives.
As 2023 comes to a close, animal rights organizations emphasize the urgency of Bella’s release, arguing that she has suffered long enough. Calls for Lotte to prioritize Bella’s well-being over profit continue, with activists ready to travel to South Korea to support her relocation to a sanctuary and provide her with the chance for a new life in a more natural environment.