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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a closed attraction, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are held threatened to euthanize them unless the government pays for the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and group interactions point to they are remarkably smart animals – something one caretaker observed first-hand.

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

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She formed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“One whale selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each changed the way I view relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales evolved against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which activists say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior health care and around the clock supervision than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park believed details of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She advocates for demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that marine mammals should be in the sea, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks indicate a wider incorrect perception of the facts of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, 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 natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received regulatory clearance, has been highly debated. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a long term answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the possibility of a protected habitat indicates a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|