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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense controversy over their fate often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to euthanize them unless the government covers the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and social skills indicate they are deeply intelligent creatures – something Kristy Burgess discovered personally.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a job that involved earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the beginning, 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 extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They altered the way I view bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a statistic which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which activists say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, 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 curious and so they take pieces and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and 24/7 supervision than any human in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility thought particulars of the death were leaked to the press and she was released soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be removed immediately from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In recent months, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that belugas belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience permit an export that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments reveal a more general misunderstanding of the realities of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As authorities attempt to find a resolution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has been highly debated. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ future.

Others say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the facility will mimic 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|