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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to end their lives unless the federal government funds the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are remarkably smart mammals – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a position that involved gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting natures.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Both altered the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, died. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park links to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes results of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and constant supervision than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in the spring following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected details of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was fired not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in captivity and a return to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reflect a wider incorrect perception of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement 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 easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a key source of food for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has proven highly debated. The planned site, which includes a large area of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a long term answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the possibility of a sanctuary indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, head of the initiative, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|