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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated controversy over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to euthanize them unless the federal government funds the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something a former trainer discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a job that involved gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so amazed by the details and unique traits in their characters. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with opposing personalities.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each changed the way I view relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales progressed against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but previously stated: “The whales … get far better medical attention and constant supervision than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the park in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park suspected details of the incident were leaked to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any attempts to put down even a single beluga would require “significant personnel”, vehicles and machinery.

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

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

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

“To approve the request would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that belugas belong in the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience permit an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements indicate a broader lack of awareness of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of food for Inuit communities.

A suggested refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned site, which includes a large area of protected cove, is not yet built. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a long term solution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Others say the idea of a sanctuary indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the short term.

The project lead, leader of the initiative, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|