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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. 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 entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated discussion over their fate often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the struggling amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the government funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something one caretaker discovered directly.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that involved building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and quirks in their characters. She developed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting natures.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Both altered the way I perceive bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say reflects the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes effects of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior medical attention and around the clock supervision than any individual in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in early March following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought particulars of the death were disclosed to the media and she was released soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

She supports requests for the whales to be taken right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reveal a more general misunderstanding of the realities of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has been contentious. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of protected cove, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a protected habitat reflects a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, leader of the initiative, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales get from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|