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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable small “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are kept warned to euthanize them unless the federal government funds the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills point to they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer discovered directly.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a position that required gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so amazed by the subtleties and unique traits in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for two female belugas with different temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “They transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s connection with the whales progressed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park links to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes results of the cessation. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior health care and constant care than any person in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in the spring following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park thought information of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

“It cannot happen in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

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

“Allowing the application would have meant a perpetual situation in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the minister wrote. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an relocation that would prolong the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments reveal a wider incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a answer, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has shown to be contentious. The future location, which includes a large area of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

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

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge represents a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a workable approach in the near future.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|