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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense controversy over their fate often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the people who see them each day.

After the federal government disallowed 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 government funds the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker discovered personally.

She spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that involved gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a special affection for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and 24/7 care than any individual in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in early March following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility suspected details of the death were leaked to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

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

“Granting the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience approve an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reveal a broader misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a resolution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the possibility of a protected habitat indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will replicate the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|