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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned controversy over their fate often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to euthanize them unless the government pays for the expense of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something one caretaker observed directly.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a job that involved gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing temperaments.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both altered the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park links to expected lifespan, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … get far better health care and 24/7 attention than any human in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed 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 facility believed information of the death were leaked to the media and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and heavy equipment.

“There’s no way in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In recent months, the nation’s government official denied a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that marine mammals should be in the wild, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reflect a broader incorrect perception of the circumstances of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a sustainable solution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the idea of a refuge indicates a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will mimic the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|