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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the federal government pays for the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something a former trainer learned directly.

She spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that required building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Developing 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 wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a deep bond for two female belugas with different personalities.

“One whale accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “They altered the way I perceive bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far better veterinary services and around the clock supervision than any individual in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the park in recent months following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in despair. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In late September, the nation’s government official denied a proposal to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks indicate a more general lack of awareness of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a solution, proposals have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain positive that it could in time represent a permanent answer for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

An official, leader of the plan, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|