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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a disagreement between a shuttered park, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense controversy over their fate often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the federal government funds the expense of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and communal behavior indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something one caretaker observed personally.

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

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She formed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

“Eve chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which activists say reflects the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in early March following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility believed details of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

She backs requests for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a bid to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the ocean, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing approve an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a more general incorrect perception of the circumstances of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of food for Inuit communities.

A suggested refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has proven most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes extensive space of protected cove, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually 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’ future.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a workable approach in the short term.

An official, leader of the plan, said the location will mimic the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|