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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense discussion over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to euthanize them unless the government funds the cost of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and social skills point to they are remarkably smart creatures – something a former trainer learned personally.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a job that required building relationships of the aquatic animals.

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

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They altered the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park links to age-related causes, but which advocates say reflects the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far superior medical attention and constant supervision than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in recent months following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park thought details of the death were disclosed to the press and she was let go not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a single beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

“It’s impossible in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s government official turned down a request to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued situation in captivity and a return to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reflect a more general incorrect perception of the realities of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a solution, proposals have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of food for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which has received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The planned facility, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a sustainable resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a workable approach in the near future.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|