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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities funds the expense of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills point to they are highly cognitive creatures – something one caretaker learned personally.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a position that entailed earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She developed a deep bond for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

“One whale accepted me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both altered the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales evolved against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which activists say reflects the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far higher quality health care and 24/7 supervision than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park thought details of the death were disclosed to the media and she was released not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any attempts to put down even a single beluga would require “significant staff”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

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

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister wrote. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the ocean, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing permit an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reflect a broader incorrect perception of the facts of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a answer, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A planned refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The future site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a refuge represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the coming months.

An official, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|