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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their fate often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are held warned to end their lives unless the government funds the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive mammals – something a former trainer learned first-hand.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing temperaments.

“One whale selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I view relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales evolved against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, succumbed. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park attributes to expected lifespan, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and navigate with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far better health care and constant supervision than any human in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the facility suspected information of the death were leaked to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any efforts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In recent months, Canada’s government official rejected a request to export the whales to China.

“To approve the request would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience permit an export that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks indicate a more general misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a resolution, proposals have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has been contentious. The future facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and diet the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|