One Dolphin’s Story – Bella

Imagine spending the last five years of your life in solitary confinement, your only (intermittent) company, a species who doesn’t even speak the same language, nor live in the same environment.

This is the story of Bella, a beluga whale who, for the past 11 years has lived in captivity, her sole purpose to entertain people. Caught off the coast of Russia in 2013 at approximately two years of age, Bella was imported into South Korea via the VNIRO Institute, sent to a small tank in the city of Gangneung and then sold to Lotte World Aquarium in the following year, a facility located on the lower level of a massive shopping center in Seoul. Bella wasn’t caught alone: two male belugas, named Belli and Bello were captured alongside her, and also sold to the aquarium. Two years after their transfer, Bello died (2016), followed by Belli three years after (2019).

Imagine spending your life in solitary confinement. This is Bella’s life. Credit: Hot Pink Dolphins

Today, Bella resides in a barren, artificial tank, on display seven days a week for visitors to take photos and videos with her. People are often seen banging on her tank, in an effort to get her attention.

“Bella exhibits behavior of stress and boredom due to her solitary confinement. She is often seen spinning in small circles in her tank, or floating listlessly on the surface of the water.” ~ Jo Yak-gol, co-founder, Hot Pink Dolphins

Hot Pink Dolphins, our friends and colleagues in South Korea have worked tirelessly to secure Bella’s release to a proper sanctuary, where she can live out her life in peace and dignity, surrounded by the rhythms of the sea instead of curious tourists. In fact, in 2019 following a public outcry, Lotte World pledged to release Bella. Five years later, she remains in her sterile tank. Despite South Korea banning buying dolphins and other whales for captive display (2023), Lotte World Aquarium was grandfathered in.

Bella’s plight has gained international attention, as she deserves to be retired in peace and dignity. Credit: Hot Pink Dolphins demo in front of Bella’s tank.

“Lotte World Aquarium made a formal pledge to retire Bella. All of Bella’s tank mates are now dead. Bella is next. She is on death row while she waits for the Lotte Corporation to do the right thing and HONOR the PLEDGE.” ~ Ric O’Barry, Founder/Director of Dolphin Project

Lotte World Aquarium, which is owned by a wealthy South Korean conglomerate, can certainly afford the resources necessary to retire Bella. We are asking them to stand behind their commitment to rehabilitate Bella and allow her to return to a life prematurely stolen from her.

TAKE ACTION – SIGN THE PETITION TO RETIRE BELLA THE BELUGA

Featured image: Bella’s entire existence is just this – spending 24 hours a day in a sterile tank at Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea. Credit: Hot Pink Dolphins

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