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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a shuttered park, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government pays for the cost of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and communal behavior point to they are deeply intelligent animals – something a former trainer observed personally.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a job that involved gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

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

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales progressed against a background of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which advocates say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … get far superior health care and constant supervision than any human in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed details of the death were shared to the media and she was released shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be taken promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s government official rejected a proposal to export the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements indicate a wider misunderstanding of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a answer, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has been contentious. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually represent a long term solution for some of the whales.

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

Different voices say the idea of a refuge represents a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, director of the plan, said the location will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|