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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a big but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the federal government pays for the upkeep of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something one caretaker learned directly.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the details and quirks in their personalities. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“Eve selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each altered the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales evolved against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park links to age-related causes, but which advocates say indicates the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not open to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but earlier asserted: “The whales … receive far better medical attention and 24/7 care than any individual in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in the spring following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were leaked to the news outlets and she was released soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be taken immediately from the park, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In late September, the nation’s government official turned down a bid to export the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience authorize an export that would continue the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a broader incorrect perception of the facts of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a resolution, proposals have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a key source of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The future facility, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

The project lead, head of the plan, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|