While the public awaits the birth of a baby beluga at the Vancouver Aquarium, one local group is calling for peace and quiet.
Lifeforce, a non-profit animal rights organization, says that having hundreds of onlookers witnessing the birthing process is stressful and cruel for an animal.
"At this early stage in a baby's life they need the seclusion and privacy to properly bond," said Peter Hamilton, the foundation's director.
Related: Baby beluga due at Vancouver Aquarium
Hamilton says whale watching tour guidelines require onlookers to remain at least 100 metres away, and sometimes up to 400 metres away during childbirth.
"I don't like making analogies," Hamilton said. "But if a person is giving birth, then they have privacy. We should extend that courtesy to animals in captivity."
The organization suggests alternative methods like live webcams to share the birth with millions of people worldwide without intruding upon the animals.
"They're kind of dangling the birth in front of the public to come in and see, and I think that's totally irresponsible," Hamilton said.
