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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government prevented the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are kept warned to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the upkeep of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency 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 open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“One whale chose me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each changed the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park links to expected lifespan, but which activists say indicates the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far superior medical attention and constant supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in recent months following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park suspected particulars of the incident were shared to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, equipment and machinery.

“There’s no way in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be taken promptly from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a request to export the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a perpetual life in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that belugas belong in the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reveal a wider incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a resolution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has proven highly debated. The planned facility, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the possibility of a protected habitat reflects a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

An official, director of the initiative, said the location will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|