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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned debate over their fate often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed threatened to put them down unless the federal government funds the expense of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that request, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills point to they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer observed directly.

She spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that entailed earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She developed a deep bond for two female belugas with different natures.

“Eve chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both transformed the way I view relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any individual in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in early March following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected information of the death were disclosed to the media and she was released not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any efforts to put down even a individual beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In recent months, the nation’s government official turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in captivity and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

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

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a resolution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of food for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has proven highly debated. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the prospect of a sanctuary indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable plan in the coming months.

An official, head of the initiative, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and diet the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|