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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a disagreement between a shuttered park, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to euthanize them unless the government funds the expense of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent animals – something a former trainer discovered personally.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that involved gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for a pair of whales with contrasting natures.

“Eve accepted me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “They altered the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the park attributes to age-related causes, but which activists say points to the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … get far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 care than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility believed information of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to put down even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s government official denied a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued existence in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reveal a wider incorrect perception of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities work to find a resolution, proposals have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of food for local populations.

A planned refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The future facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the prospect of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a workable plan in the near future.

An official, head of the plan, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|