Beluga whales in aquariums face profound welfare challenges that tank environments cannot address.
Beluga whales have deep social bonds, complex vocal communication, and natural behavioral repertoires that cannot be expressed in tank environments. Captive belugas develop stereotypic behaviors and social aggression from enforced groupings. Separation of wild-caught belugas from their family groups causes acute psychological distress. The global movement toward retiring captive cetaceans to sea sanctuaries — where they can live in ocean conditions while still receiving care — offers a welfare improvement over conventional aquarium tanks. Supporting retirement programs is more welfare-positive than supporting continued display.