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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, 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 embattled facility near the famous falls where they are held threatened to end their lives unless the federal government covers the expense of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent animals – something a former trainer learned personally.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a job that involved building relationships of the marine predators.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the nuances and quirks in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for two female belugas with different natures.

“One whale chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales progressed against a background of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any human in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected details of the incident were shared to the press and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

She advocates for demands for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, the nation’s government official rejected a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing existence in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that whales belong in the wild, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reveal a wider incorrect perception of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has been most controversial. The prospective location, which includes a large area of protected cove, is not yet built. Advocates remain positive that it could eventually represent a long term answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible approach in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the initiative, said the site will mimic the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|