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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the people who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to end their lives unless the federal government pays for the expense of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess discovered directly.

She spent three years as a whale caretaker, a role that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the details and quirks in their characters. She developed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park links to natural mortality, but which activists say points to the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the cessation. “Concrete is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but previously stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality medical attention and around the clock care than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park suspected particulars of the incident were leaked to the media and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “immense manpower”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official denied a proposal to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a broader misunderstanding of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people 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 comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for local populations.

A planned refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has been contentious. The prospective location, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the possibility of a refuge represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the coming months.

An official, head of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales receive 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|