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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a shuttered park, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government funds the upkeep of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills point to they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer learned personally.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a job that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication 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 trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“One whale selected me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say indicates the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes results of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … get far superior health care and 24/7 care than any individual in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected particulars of the incident were leaked to the news outlets and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a request to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments indicate a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a solution, proposals have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be highly debated. The prospective site, which includes a large area of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could in time represent a sustainable resolution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the possibility of a refuge represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the facility will replicate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|