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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a tussle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated discussion over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to euthanize them unless the government pays for the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different personalities.

“Eve accepted me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both transformed the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales developed against a context of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not open to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but in the past asserted: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any individual in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in the spring following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the facility believed details of the incident were shared to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “significant manpower”, vehicles and machinery.

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

She advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s government official denied a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in confinement and a return to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As society, we know that marine mammals are meant for the sea, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reveal a more general lack of awareness of the facts of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The future location, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could eventually represent a long term solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the possibility of a sanctuary represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the initiative, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|