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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to end their lives unless the authorities funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and group interactions suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something a former trainer observed directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a job that required earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … get far superior medical attention and 24/7 supervision than any individual in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in early March following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park thought details of the death were leaked to the news outlets and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a single beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and specialized tools.

“It’s impossible in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

She supports calls for the whales to be taken promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an export that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reveal a wider lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a solution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for local populations.

A planned refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a long term answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the prospect of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the facility will replicate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|