Liberating Bella: The Battle to Free a Beluga Whale from a South Korean Megamall's Aquatic Captivity
A female beluga whale has been imprisoned in a desolate tank for nearly 10 years, confined within the concrete walls and artificial rocks of a South Korean mega mall This article delves into the dark side of captivity, explores the thriving aquarium industry, considers a potential solution in Norway, and highlights the urgent need to act before time runs out
The lower floors of a South Korean mega mall are home to a female beluga whale in a barren tank with concrete walls and artificial rocks. The whale, believed to be around two years old, was captured by boats in Russian waters in 2013 and sold to the Lotte World Aquarium, which is the largest in Seoul and is run by one of South Korea's richest and largest conglomerates. She has been living in the tank for close to a decade.
Her name was Bella, and she was accompanied by two male belugas named Belli and Bellu, as well as other Arctic animals such as penguins and seals, making them a popular attraction. The trio could be found in a 1,224 ton tank, 24 feet deep, where they would often be seen swimming and twirling in the luminescent blue water, attracting visitors who would take selfies and create TikToks. The whales were also known to swim up to the viewing gallery, where young children would eagerly tap on the glass walls in hopes of getting their attention.
American dolphin activist Helene OBarry stated that the trade is driven by greed, emphasizing the significant profits to be gained from capturing and selling these captivating mammals to marine parks and aquariums.
"The cycle of exploitation will continue unless observers delve deeper and question whether a few moments of amusement are worth the suffering. Lolita, a cherished orca at the Miami Seaquarium scheduled for return to the ocean, has passed away."
Bellu passed away at the young age of 5 in 2016, followed by Belli in 2019 at the age of 12. In the wild, beluga whales typically live between 35 and 50 years.
The deaths of these whales sparked intense criticism from animal rights activists in South Korea, prompting the company to take action. In response, Lotte pledged in 2019 to release Bella.
Despite the passage of more than four years since 2024, activists argue that there is no reason to celebrate just yet. Bella, still on display, has yet to be released. Jo Yak-gol, co-founder of the South Korean marine life group Hot Pink Dolphins, expressed skepticism about the measures claimed to be taken by Lotte, stating that no release date has been made public and the exhibit remains open.
Following the deaths of her companions in their tank, the whale continues to exhibit signs of "stereotypical" stress behavior, according to Jo. Videos sent to CNN show her repeatedly spinning in small circles and lethargically floating near the water's surface.
"Often, she circles around the tank with no apparent purpose," Jo stated. "I believe it's due to stress."
Photos like this one, sent to CNN, showed the whale displaying signs of stress.
Courtesy Hot Pink Dolphins
The beluga whale exhibit still remains open to the public despite public pledges by the aquarium that Bella would be released.
Hot Pink Dolphins
The Lotte spokesperson confirmed in a November email exchange with CNN that release plans were still proceeding as planned. In May, a company representative had previously informed CNN that the process was in its "final stage."
The spokesperson for Lotte World Aquarium stated that they are actively working to ensure a suitable environment and timing for Bella's release through continuous discussions. The timing is being closely coordinated with the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare as a top priority. The spokesperson also mentioned that Bella is in good health and is currently undergoing training to prepare for her transition to a new sea environment.
The spokesperson responded to the inquiry about why she was still on display by stating that there is currently no alternative location for her to stay. Lotte was contacted by CNN for additional comment earlier this week, but did not respond before the article was published.
Dark side of captivity
The practice of keeping dolphins and whales in captivity for tourist entertainment has become as controversial as keeping big cats as pets and offering elephant rides in recent years. This growing controversy is mainly due to the efforts of campaigners and the findings of experts, which argue that captive animals are not content.
There has been a global shift towards banning activities that involve riding on or touching wild animals, but there is still no industry-wide consensus on keeping wild animals like whales on display.
A beluga whale plays with a soccer ball at the Beijing Aquarium in China.
MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images
Beluga whales can be found in the Arctic Ocean, as well as in the seas and along the coasts of Canada, North America, Russia, and Greenland. These migratory animals are known for their ability to swim thousands of miles and dive to depths of over 3,000 feet in icy waters, including ice floes and fjords.
Beluga whales have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years in the wild, but only half that in captivity. According to Valeria Vergara, a prominent marine biologist with over 20 years of experience studying beluga whale populations in regions such as the Arctic Archipelago and Hudson Bay, these highly intelligent and socially complex creatures cannot thrive in captivity. Vergara contends that they suffer due to the absence of free will and mental stimulation, as well as the inability to engage in their natural behaviors.
"When you see them in their natural habitat, what stands out the most is their tactile, social, and vocal nature," she comments.
"They move in large groups consisting of family members and companions, swimming together in harmony."
"We call them the canaries of the sea because of their complex communication system of whistles, chirps and calls - but they tend to be much quieter in captivity."
In 2022, activists from Hot Pink Dolphins staged a protest at Bella's tank, calling for her release.
Courtesy Hot Pink Dolphins
The group has been leading the charge in calling for Bella's freedom from Lotte World Aquarium.
Charlie Miller/CNN
The thriving aquarium industry
Around the world, activists estimate that approximately 300 beluga whales are held in captivity. The aquarium industry is experiencing rapid growth in East Asia, particularly in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, driven by the increasing popularity of ocean theme parks and commercial aquariums due to the significant profits generated from mass tourism.
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Ric O'Barry, an American dolphin activist and former animal trainer known for his work on the 1960s TV show Flipper, is now leading international efforts to raise awareness about dolphin hunts and the welfare of marine mammals held in captivity. O'Barry informed CNN that despite making significant strides in closing down marine parks in the US, Canada, and European countries such as Finland and Sweden, more were opening in Asia. His organization, the Ric O'Barry Dolphin Project, continues to combat this trend.
O'Barry pointed out that the industry has failed to take responsibility for the copy-cat syndrome they have encouraged. He noted that as a result, East Asian countries are now establishing dolphinariums and marine parks, and purchasing wild-caught whales and dolphins to populate their tanks. He added that these countries are looking at places like SeaWorld and assuming that if they can do it, so can they, as they anticipate audiences who do not question the origins or capture of these animals.
"It will take decades to stop it."
Beluga whales at the Grandview Mall Ocean World in Guangzhou -- one of many commercial aquariums being set up in China.
Simon Denyer/The Washington Post/Getty Images
Bella is among five captive beluga whales in South Korea, as stated by Jo Yak-gol of Hot Pink Dolphins. According to Jo, the beluga whales are taken from the Arctic Ocean and brought into South Korea, where they are kept in confined spaces, sometimes alongside dolphins with vastly different body temperatures.
In a bold 2020 initiative amid the pandemic, a pair of beluga whales named Little Grey and Little White were moved to a sanctuary in Iceland after spending years in a Shanghai aquarium.
After an epic journey from captivity, two beluga whales finally reached the sea, thanks to a massive operation years in the making. It involved months of practice runs, teams of specialists, and an array of equipment including cranes, tugboats, and trucks, resulting in huge costs.
Supporters are optimistic that Bella can also be released, but the truth is that setting free a captive whale, especially one that was captured at a young age, will be a difficult task, even with the best intentions.
Vergara stated, "The reality is that a whale like Bella is unlikely to thrive in the wild. Young belugas rely on their mothers to teach them everything they need to survive. Bella lacks the essential skills and knowledge required to survive on her own. Will she know what to eat or where to migrate? Will she be accepted by a pod? Can she effectively communicate with other beluga whales?"
"There are many questions but her best chance at a life is at a sanctuary."
This still provided by the Norwegian Whale Rerserve, shows its upcoming sanctuary located in Finnmark county.
Inge Wegge
A solution in Norway?
Lotte officials maintain that the "only one place in the world" where Bella can be released is a sanctuary in Iceland.
The company has chosen not to disclose the name of the sanctuary or verify if it is the same facility where the pair of belugas from China are currently being kept. In a late November statement to CNN, the company mentioned that there have been additional setbacks.
The Icelandic operator recently informed us that they have had to delay the process due to environmental issues within their facility," the spokesperson reported. They also mentioned that ongoing discussions with government agencies and marine experts are still taking place.
"We are currently exploring different options, such as overseas sanctuaries and domestic ones, with input from the discharge committee, " the spokesperson added.
Norwegian sanctuary extends official invitation to Lotte World Aquarium for Bella to visit its reserve in a 500-acre arctic fjord and surrounding islands in Finnmark, Norway. The sanctuary has transitioned from whale hunting to whale watching.
According to board member Andre Borell, the Norwegian Whale Reserve (NWR) has been actively working with the owners of Bella for the past two years to facilitate her transfer. They are prepared to provide a natural sea environment for Bella and potentially another captive beluga whale named Ruby at the Aqua Planet Yeosu park in South Korea. The goal is to allow them to roam freely, dive, and thrive alongside other marine life.
Borell and Regina Crosby, founder of the non-profit conservation organization OneWhale, have developed a detailed plan of action, including securing financial grants to cover care expenses for the whale in Norway. They have informed Bella's owners that there will be no ongoing financial burden once she is transported to Norway. The ultimate aim is to remove any obstacles preventing Bella from being moved out of her tank as soon as possible.
She stated that while Bella and Ruby's owners have not committed, they are hopeful and dedicated to collaborating with South Korean authorities to move forward as soon as possible.
CNN has contacted Lotte representatives for updates on the offer from Norway.
There is still a chance for Bella to begin a new life, experts say, but time is running out.
Courtesy Hot Pink Dolphins
Time is running out
As 2023 draws to a close, animal rights groups are once again urging for Bella's release. Jason Baker, senior vice president of PETA Asia, stated, "Bella has endured nearly five years of suffering. The Lotte Corporation needs to act without delay, as time is running out."
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, beluga whale expert Vergara emphasized, "Bella is enduring solitary suffering. There is no doubt that a captive whale, especially one in isolation, will experience chronic stress, weakening its immune system and ultimately shortening its lifespan."
Lotte cannot afford to postpone Bella's transfer any longer. She still has an opportunity for a fresh start and needs to be released. According to American dolphin activist O'Barry, he and his team are prepared to go to South Korea "to make it happen," as he told CNN.
OBarry expressed full support for Bella's relocation to an overseas sanctuary, emphasizing the importance of her being in the company of other whales and experiencing the ocean once more. He also noted that the Lotte group has the opportunity to make amends by releasing her from the lifeless tank and placing her in a sanctuary.
