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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their fate often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to end their lives unless the government covers the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are deeply intelligent animals – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a position that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and quirks in their characters. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with contrasting natures.

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

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not open to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far better veterinary services and 24/7 care than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park thought details of the death were shared to the media and she was fired soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She supports calls for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a proposal to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing situation in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements reflect a more general incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a answer, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The future location, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, is not yet built. Advocates remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

The project lead, head of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|