Beluga whales have long been kept in marine parks and aquariums, but growing evidence of welfare deficits in captivity and the development of ocean sanctuaries is transforming the ethical landscape for these social cetaceans.
The welfare costs of beluga captivity are substantial. Concrete tanks bear no resemblance to the Arctic and sub-Arctic waters belugas evolved in. Social groupings are artificial and unstable. Belugas cannot perform natural diving, foraging, or migratory behaviours. Noise from visitors and facility infrastructure can exceed harmful levels for these acoustically sensitive animals. While some facilities have improved enclosure size and environmental enrichment, fundamental constraints remain. Ocean sanctuaries represent a more welfare-appropriate alternative, allowing belugas to experience natural water temperature, currents, and acoustic environments while receiving continued care. Transitioning captive animals to sanctuaries is costly but increasingly recognized as the ethical direction of travel.