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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales 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 intense debate over their fate often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are kept warned to euthanize them unless the government pays for the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent animals – something a former trainer discovered directly.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a job that required gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. 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 wonderful and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for a pair of whales with contrasting temperaments.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I perceive bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility links to natural mortality, but which advocates say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not open to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and constant care than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility suspected information of the incident were shared to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any plans to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “considerable manpower”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing existence in captivity and a return to public entertainment,” the minister wrote. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals should be in the ocean, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

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

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a answer, ideas have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a key source of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The prospective site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a protected habitat indicates a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable approach in the short term.

An official, director of the plan, said the facility will mimic the cognitive activities and diet the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|