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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a closed attraction, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated discussion over their fate often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been closely studied 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 kept warned to euthanize them unless the government funds the expense of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

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

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which advocates say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far superior health care and 24/7 care than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the park in the spring following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park suspected particulars of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was fired soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official rejected a bid to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued life in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reflect a more general incorrect perception of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a resolution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has shown to be highly debated. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a long term resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the idea of a refuge indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

The project lead, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|