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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense controversy over their destiny often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the humans who see them each day.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are held threatened to put them down unless the government pays for the cost of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive mammals – something one caretaker discovered directly.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a role that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different natures.

“One whale chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I view connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say points to the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly effects of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and navigate with fragments in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but previously asserted: “The whales … receive far better health care and constant supervision than any human in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in the spring following the demise of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park suspected particulars of the incident were leaked to the press and she was let go not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In recent months, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a perpetual life in captivity and a return to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a wider lack of awareness of the realities of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a resolution, ideas have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has been contentious. The planned site, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a permanent answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge reflects a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible approach in the short term.

The project lead, leader of the initiative, said the facility will mimic the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|