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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming little “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a closed attraction, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense controversy over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to end their lives unless the federal government pays for the expense of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are remarkably smart creatures – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that involved gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with contrasting natures.

“Eve chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I perceive bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park links to natural mortality, but which activists say points to the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any person in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park believed details of the death were shared to the media and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “significant staff”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be removed promptly from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s government official turned down a bid to send the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing life in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an relocation that would prolong the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a broader misunderstanding of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A suggested sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has shown to be contentious. The prospective site, which includes a large area of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable approach in the coming months.

An official, director of the plan, said the location will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|