Beluga whales are among the most commonly kept cetaceans in marine parks, but their social complexity and acoustic sensitivity create profound welfare challenges in captivity.
Beluga welfare in captivity is severely compromised by acoustic conditions in tank environments. These highly vocal animals evolved in vast, acoustically complex ocean environments - tank reverb creates conditions of chronic noise stress. Social needs require complex, large groups that tank environments cannot provide. Stereotypic behaviours including repetitive swimming patterns are common in captive belugas. The welfare science is clear that belugas cannot thrive in typical marine park conditions. Sea sanctuaries - large fenced ocean bays with natural acoustic properties and prey - represent a welfare improvement but remain limited in availability.