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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated debate over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government covers the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and communal behavior suggest they are deeply intelligent mammals – something a former trainer observed personally.

She spent three years as a whale caretaker, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a deep bond for two female belugas with different natures.

“One whale accepted me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a context of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her three years at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say points to the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far better veterinary services and constant supervision than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in recent months following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the park believed information of the death were disclosed to the press and she was fired soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, vehicles and specialized tools.

“It cannot happen in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

She supports demands for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reveal a more general lack of awareness of the facts of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a resolution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has been most controversial. The prospective site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary represents a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

An official, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|