There has consistently been a commitment from Vancouver Aquarium to maintain Beluga Whales in captivity but after the recent SeaWorld decision I was a bit surprised to find new models, posters and images advertising an expansion of the whale habitat. Besides being much larger (but will it still be large enough to satisfy everyone???) the pool will have what is being called 360 degree viewing. Instead of the current set-up, with viewing windows along one long side of the pool, the proposed new exhibit will allow visitors to walk all the way around the tank and still be able to see the whales. There will continue to be underwater viewing and some human-centric items will be included such as a Thule Pit House, a Whalebone Arch and an Inukshuk.
It doesn't matter how big or how much better a new exhibit would be. There will never be an exhibit built that satisfies everybody. A lot of people don't mind Cetaceans being in captivity (as long as they have a good amount of space and proper care) for research, breeding or whatever. But to a lot of people they just don't think its fair to the animals to be "locked up" their whole lives no matter what the purpose is.
