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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who see them each day.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government funds the expense of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed building relationships of the marine predators.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and quirks in their personalities. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the facility links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects 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 results of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and navigate with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far superior veterinary services and around the clock care than any individual in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected details of the incident were shared to the media and she was released not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “significant personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be taken immediately from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As society, we know that marine mammals are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience authorize an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reflect a broader misunderstanding of the realities of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has been contentious. The planned location, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the idea of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

An official, director of the sanctuary project, 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 fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|