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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a tussle between a closed attraction, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are held threatened to put them down unless the government covers the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned personally.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that involved earning the trust of the sea creatures.

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

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so amazed by the nuances and quirks in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Both changed the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her three years at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which advocates say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park suspected information of the incident were shared to the media and she was fired soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She backs demands for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, the nation’s government official denied a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual existence in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reveal a more general lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has been highly debated. The planned facility, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the prospect of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|