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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a tussle between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their fate often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the authorities funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered directly.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that involved building relationships of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so surprised by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a particular love for a pair of whales with opposing temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each transformed the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales progressed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, 19 belugas have perished 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 park did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and around the clock care than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in recent months following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed details of the incident were leaked to the media and she was released shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

She advocates for requests for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the request would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a return to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that belugas belong in the sea, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an export that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reflect a broader misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, proposals have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A planned refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has proven most controversial. The planned location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a long term resolution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a protected habitat represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the site will mimic the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|