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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to put them down unless the authorities covers the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior suggest they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer observed first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a special affection for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

“One whale chose me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales developed against a context of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a inquiry, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior medical attention and 24/7 care than any individual in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the park in the spring following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility thought particulars of the death were leaked to the news outlets and she was fired not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any attempts to put down even a single beluga would require “significant manpower”, trucks and machinery.

“There’s no way in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

She advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s government official rejected a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual existence in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments reveal a more general incorrect perception of the circumstances of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has proven most controversial. The future location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain positive that it could in time represent a long term solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary represents a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|