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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their future often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the people who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are held threatened to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer discovered directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a position that involved building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She formed a deep bond for a pair of whales with contrasting personalities.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They altered the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s relationship with the whales progressed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and constant attention than any person in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in recent months following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the facility thought details of the death were shared to the news outlets and she was let go not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “considerable staff”, trucks and heavy equipment.

“It cannot happen in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official rejected a proposal to export the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience permit an export that would prolong the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reflect a wider incorrect perception of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a answer, ideas have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The future facility, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Advocates remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a sustainable resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the idea of a refuge reflects a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|