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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a shuttered park, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their fate often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the struggling amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government pays for the expense of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker observed first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that required gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting natures.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I view relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a background of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the cessation. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but previously stated: “The whales … get far superior medical attention and constant care than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in early March following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park thought details of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to put down even a individual beluga would require “significant manpower”, equipment and machinery.

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

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

In recent months, the nation’s government official turned down a bid to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual existence in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that belugas belong in the wild, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements indicate a broader incorrect perception of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned facility, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually represent a permanent answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the possibility of a protected habitat reflects a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|