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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated debate over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer discovered personally.

Burgess spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that required gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She developed a deep bond for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Both altered the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales developed against a context of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which activists say reflects the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but previously asserted: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and constant supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the death were leaked to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in anguish. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a single beluga would require “significant manpower”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a perpetual life in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments indicate a broader incorrect perception of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials struggle to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has proven highly debated. The planned location, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could in time represent a long term resolution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a workable solution in the coming months.

An official, leader of the sanctuary project, said the facility will replicate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|