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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a shuttered park, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed threatened to put them down unless the government funds the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker learned personally.

Burgess spent three years as a whale caretaker, a role that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting personalities.

“One whale chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “They altered the way I perceive bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say points to the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but in the past claimed: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the facility suspected information of the death were disclosed to the media and she was released not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “significant personnel”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In recent months, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a more general incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has been contentious. The future site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the idea of a refuge represents a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a workable approach in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the plan, said the location will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|