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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a disagreement between a defunct facility, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their future often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to end their lives unless the federal government funds the expense of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, problem solving and group interactions suggest they are remarkably smart animals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

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

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the details and quirks in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing temperaments.

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

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which activists say points to the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the cessation. “Concrete is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality medical attention and 24/7 care than any human in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park thought details of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any plans to put down even a individual beluga would require “immense staff”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s government official denied a proposal to export the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a return to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an export that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reflect a broader lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A planned sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has been highly debated. The future site, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could ultimately represent a permanent answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the possibility of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the facility will mimic the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|