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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a defunct facility, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their fate often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government funds the cost of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and communal behavior suggest they are remarkably smart mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a role that involved gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the subtleties and quirks in their dispositions. She cultivated a deep bond for a pair of whales with opposing personalities.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each transformed the way I perceive bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales developed against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which activists say indicates the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and swim around with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … receive far better health care and constant attention than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in the spring following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought information of the death were disclosed to the media and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She backs demands for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s government official denied a proposal to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that marine mammals should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments indicate a more general incorrect perception of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A planned protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has been most controversial. The prospective site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

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

Others say the possibility of a refuge represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible solution in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|