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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a closed attraction, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated controversy over their future often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been closely studied by the people who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to end their lives unless the government pays for the expense of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and communal behavior point to they are remarkably smart creatures – something Kristy Burgess learned personally.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with contrasting natures.

“Eve selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I view connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which activists say points to the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes effects of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality health care and 24/7 supervision than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in the spring following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility suspected details of the incident were leaked to the media and she was let go not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to put down even a individual beluga would require “significant staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She backs demands for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a proposal to export the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued existence in confinement and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the situation these belugas have endured.”

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

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a answer, 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 Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

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

Some experts say the possibility of a sanctuary indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, leader of the plan, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|