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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated controversy over their future often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities pays for the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and communal behavior suggest they are remarkably smart mammals – something a former trainer observed first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that involved gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with different temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They changed the way I view connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a background of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say points to the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and constant care than any individual in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park suspected information of the death were shared to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a request to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the request would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in good conscience approve an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reveal a broader incorrect perception of the circumstances of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The planned facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain hopeful that it could in time represent a permanent solution for some of the whales.

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

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|