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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government funds the upkeep of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer observed personally.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a position that involved gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

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

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

“One whale selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each transformed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales evolved against a context of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to natural mortality, but which advocates say points to the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with fragments in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and constant attention than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park thought particulars of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “significant manpower”, equipment and machinery.

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

She backs calls for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s government official rejected a bid to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience permit an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reveal a more general lack of awareness of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As authorities work to find a answer, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has been contentious. The future facility, which includes extensive space of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain hopeful that it could in time represent a permanent answer for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a refuge represents a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable approach in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the initiative, said the site will simulate the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|