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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their future often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the export of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to end their lives unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the details and quirks in their characters. She formed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

“Eve accepted me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “They changed the way I view relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her tenure at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say points to the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and constant care than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the park in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park thought information of the incident were leaked to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

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

In recent months, Canada’s government official rejected a request to export the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the wild, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience permit an transfer that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments reveal a broader misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a resolution, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The future facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term solution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

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

An official, director of the initiative, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive 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|