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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, public officials and welfare campaigners.

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 growing up in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are held threatened to put them down unless the federal government pays for the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions point to they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that involved building relationships of the marine predators.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a special affection for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales evolved against a background of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park attributes to age-related causes, 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 summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a inquiry, but in the past asserted: “The whales … obtain far higher quality health care and constant care than any person in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in the spring following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park believed information of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a perpetual life in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reflect a wider incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven contentious. The prospective facility, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term solution for some of the whales.

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

Others say the prospect of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable approach in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|