Okay. So, I have mixed feelings about the whales being here. Well, not so mixed. An iota of me thinks it's cool, because...well, whales in Chicago!
But...if I had to vote right or wrong after seeing them, I'd probably vote wrong.

This might be the baby that was born here, and here it's showing off for a fascinated crowd (don't get me wrong, it was cool as hell - it was "talking" up a storm, and how often do you get that close to a chirping / clacking whale?!?). But if it was the baby, a) it was probably trained/encouraged to do this very thing b) it doesn't know any other life, nor ever will c) when you walk up the stairs, it deposits you right at the gift shop, replete with overpriced beluga merchandise. It's a total money-maker, and while the tank is huge, when you pause to think you realize that it's about the size of a 5-gallon tank (less, really) compared to its natural habitat.

Having said that, no, I don't think they're being abused, and yes, they seemed content enough. Also, it does give you a chance to get close to animals you never would otherwise, and it does impart an appreciation for them in a way.

Bottom line, I don't think the starfish give a f*ck, but I can't help thinking that the more sentient animals are sacrifices for their species. There were plenty of animals that looked oblivious, but there were a few that I can't help thinking would have preferred to be in their natural habitat.