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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the people who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the expense of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their sound replication, intellectual tasks and group interactions indicate they are deeply intelligent mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very wary 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.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and quirks in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“One whale chose me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales evolved against a context of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say points to the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not comment to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and constant care than any human in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park believed information of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “immense manpower”, equipment and machinery.

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

She advocates for calls for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

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

“To approve the request would have meant a perpetual life in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that belugas should be in the sea, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reflect a wider incorrect perception of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A suggested protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The future site, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

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

Others say the prospect of a protected habitat represents a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

An official, leader of the plan, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|