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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned controversy over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are held warned to put them down unless the federal government funds the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart animals – something one caretaker learned personally.

Burgess spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not operate to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier asserted: “The whales … obtain far superior medical attention and around the clock supervision than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility thought details of the incident were leaked to the news outlets and she was let go not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “immense manpower”, trucks and heavy equipment.

“It cannot happen in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

She advocates for demands for the whales to be taken immediately from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience permit an relocation that would prolong the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reflect a more general incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“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. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, proposals have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A planned refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has shown to be most controversial. The future location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the idea of a refuge indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

An official, head of the plan, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and diet the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|