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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a job that involved earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She formed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

“One whale selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a background of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which activists say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not open to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior veterinary services and constant attention than any person in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in early March following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park suspected 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 distress. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “considerable staff”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

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

In the autumn, Canada’s government official denied a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a more general misunderstanding of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters 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 government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, is not yet built. Supporters remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable approach in the short term.

The project lead, head of the plan, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales get from specialists, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|