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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the heated controversy over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government covers the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are highly cognitive animals – something Kristy Burgess discovered directly.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Establishing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting personalities.

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

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. 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 points to the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past claimed: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the park believed information of the death were disclosed 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 park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “significant manpower”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She advocates for requests for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official denied a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued existence in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that whales belong in the sea, not in pools 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 official’s remarks reveal a broader misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has been contentious. The future location, which includes a large area of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could in time represent a permanent solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a refuge reflects a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

The project lead, head of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|