For almost a decade, a female beluga whale named Bella has been confined to a barren tank within a South Korean mega mall, drawing attention to the ethical concerns surrounding marine mammals in captivity. Bella, believed to have been around two years old when captured in Russian waters in 2013, has become a symbol of the debate over the treatment of marine animals in commercial aquariums.
Lotte World Aquarium, run by one of South Korea’s largest conglomerates, has faced criticism for housing Bella and two male belugas, Belli and Bellu, in a 1,224-ton tank. The trio, along with other polar animals, formed a popular arctic attraction within the mall. However, the captivity of marine mammals for entertainment purposes has raised ethical questions and sparked a movement known as “Free Bella.”
The beluga whales were often a source of amusement for visitors, who would take selfies and TikToks with the marine mammals. The whales would interact with visitors, swimming up to the tank’s glass walls, creating a spectacle for onlookers. However, the deaths of Bellu in 2016 and Belli in 2019 led to increased scrutiny and calls for reform.
The average life expectancy of beluga whales in the wild ranges between 35 and 50 years. Bellu died at the age of 5, and Belli passed away at 12, highlighting concerns about the impact of captivity on the well-being and lifespan of these marine creatures. The deaths prompted outrage from South Korean animal rights activists, leading Lotte to pledge Bella’s release in 2019.
Despite the pledge, Bella remains on display in the mall’s aquarium, and there is growing frustration among activists. The “Free Bella” movement emphasizes the need for responsible practices in the treatment of animals and calls for a shift away from using marine mammals for entertainment. Bella’s continued presence in captivity has fueled concerns about her well-being, as she exhibits stress-related behaviors, including circling the tank and floating listlessly.
In an email exchange with CNN, a Lotte spokesperson stated that release plans were still in place as of November. The company claimed that Bella is in good health and undergoing training for a future release into a new sea environment. However, the spokesperson did not provide a specific release date, citing a lack of alternative accommodation for Bella.
The debate surrounding Bella’s captivity reflects broader discussions about the treatment of marine mammals in commercial facilities. Animal welfare activists argue that the trade in charismatic mammals like beluga whales is fueled by greed, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate approach to their conservation. The case also raises questions about the role of regulatory bodies in overseeing the exhibition of marine life in public venues.
While there has been a global shift in attitudes towards keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment, the practice remains contentious. Campaigns against dolphin and whale captivity have gained momentum, challenging the industry to reconsider its practices and prioritize the well-being of these intelligent and social marine species.
Bella’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the dark side of captivity and the ongoing challenges in achieving a consensus on ethical standards for the treatment of marine mammals in aquariums and similar attractions. The movement to free Bella underscores the broader need for responsible and compassionate approaches to wildlife conservation and highlights the importance of public awareness in driving positive change.