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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a closed attraction, public officials and welfare campaigners.

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

After the federal government blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are held warned to euthanize them unless the federal government covers the cost of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills indicate they are remarkably smart mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered directly.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that required building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing personalities.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “They altered the way I view connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales evolved against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her tenure at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say points to the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but previously asserted: “The whales … receive far superior health care and 24/7 care than any person in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park believed information of the death were shared to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements indicate a wider incorrect perception of the realities of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a resolution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of food for Inuit communities.

A suggested sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven most controversial. The planned site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a sanctuary indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|