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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated discussion over their future often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities prevented the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the government pays for the upkeep of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker learned personally.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that involved gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the subtleties and quirks in their dispositions. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with opposing personalities.

“One whale selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “They changed the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and navigate with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not reply to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far better health care and 24/7 attention than any individual in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park thought information of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, 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.

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be taken right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In recent months, Canada’s government official denied a bid to send the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a continued life in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As society, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience approve an transfer that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements indicate a wider misunderstanding of the realities of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a solution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has been most controversial. The future location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for some of the whales.

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

Others say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a feasible solution in the short term.

An official, head of the initiative, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|