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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the people who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities funds the expense of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker observed personally.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a job that required gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the details and quirks in their personalities. She cultivated a special affection for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

“Eve selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I perceive bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales evolved against a context of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility links to age-related causes, but which activists say reflects the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and 24/7 care than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected information of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was released not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

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

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that belugas should be in the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience approve an export that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a wider misunderstanding of the facts of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a solution, 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 Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has proven highly debated. The future location, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain positive that it could in time represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary represents a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, head of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|