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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a disagreement between a shuttered park, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the intense debate over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the expense of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills suggest they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

She spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that required gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting personalities.

“One whale chose me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each changed the way I view relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales developed against a background of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the park links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say indicates the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the cessation. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and around the clock attention than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility thought information of the death were shared to the press and she was released not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “significant manpower”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In late September, the nation’s government official rejected a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience permit an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks indicate a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities work to find a resolution, proposals have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The future facility, which includes extensive space of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a sustainable solution for a number of the whales.

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

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the plan, said the site will mimic the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|