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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming little “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a shuttered park, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated controversy over their fate often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities covers the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are deeply intelligent mammals – something a former trainer learned directly.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a position that required gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the details and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

“One whale chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales progressed against a context of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which activists say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior medical attention and 24/7 care than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought information of the death were shared to the media and she was fired not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any attempts to put down even a single beluga would require “significant personnel”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

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

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a request to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reveal a wider incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a key source of food for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has been contentious. The prospective facility, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain positive that it could eventually represent a sustainable solution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

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

Charles Vinick, leader of the plan, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and diet the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|