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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government pays for the cost of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, intellectual tasks and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

She spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that required earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting personalities.

“Eve selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales progressed against a context of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not open to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … get far superior medical attention and around the clock attention than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in recent months following the death of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected information of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was let go soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “significant manpower”, trucks and machinery.

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

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

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

“To approve the request would have meant a perpetual life in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As society, we know that belugas should be in the ocean, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements indicate a wider incorrect perception of the realities of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven contentious. The planned location, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ future.

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the sanctuary project, said the site will mimic the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|