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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a shuttered park, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense debate over their future often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the people who interact with them daily.

After the federal government blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the federal government funds the upkeep of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are remarkably smart creatures – something Kristy Burgess observed first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a position that required earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with different personalities.

“Eve selected me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both altered the way I view relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools 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 mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but earlier asserted: “The whales … obtain far superior medical attention and 24/7 attention than any person in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the park in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the park believed information of the death were disclosed to the press and she was let go soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess supports requests for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued situation in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an relocation that would prolong the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a broader lack of awareness of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity 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 ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a solution, proposals have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has proven most controversial. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a sustainable solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the idea of a protected habitat represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the coming months.

The project lead, leader of the sanctuary project, said the site will mimic the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|