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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense controversy over their destiny often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government blocked the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

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

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that involved gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She formed a particular love for a pair of whales with different personalities.

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

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales progressed against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say points to the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not operate to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … get far superior medical attention and constant care than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in early March following the death of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park suspected details of the death were leaked to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and machinery.

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

She backs requests for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience permit an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments reveal a broader misunderstanding of the facts of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a resolution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A suggested refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has shown to be most controversial. The prospective site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable approach in the near future.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|