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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a disagreement between a closed attraction, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker observed directly.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and quirks in their characters. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with different personalities.

“One whale selected me. The other required effort,” she said. “They altered the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a context of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which advocates say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes results of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far better medical attention and around the clock care than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the facility suspected particulars of the incident were shared to the media and she was released shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “immense manpower”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to export the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a continued situation in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that belugas should be in the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reflect a broader incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a answer, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A planned protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has been most controversial. The planned location, which includes extensive space of protected cove, is not yet built. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

The project lead, leader of the initiative, said the location will replicate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|