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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government blocked the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to end their lives unless the federal government pays for the expense of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart creatures – something one caretaker observed first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their dispositions. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

“One whale selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Each transformed the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a context of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which advocates say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not operate to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but previously asserted: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and around the clock attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park suspected details of the incident were shared to the media and she was let go soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “immense staff”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

She supports demands for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official denied a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the wild, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience approve an transfer that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks indicate a broader misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As authorities work to find a solution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has been contentious. The prospective location, which includes a large area of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

An official, director of the plan, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and diet the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|