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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the government funds the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, intellectual tasks and communal behavior point to they are remarkably smart mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

She spent three years as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the details and quirks in their characters. She cultivated a special affection for a pair of whales with different natures.

“One whale accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both altered the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not open to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any individual in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in the spring following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected particulars of the death were leaked to the media and she was released soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense manpower”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She supports calls for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official turned down a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a return to performance for audiences,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements reflect a broader lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A planned protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The future location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a long term solution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the site will replicate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|