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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated controversy over their fate often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are held threatened to end their lives unless the authorities covers the cost of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and communal behavior suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something Kristy Burgess learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a job that required building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency 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 vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

“Eve chose me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but previously asserted: “The whales … obtain far higher quality medical attention and around the clock care than any person in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in recent months following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed particulars of the death were leaked to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be removed promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official turned down a proposal to send the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a perpetual life in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that belugas should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments reflect a more general lack of awareness of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A planned sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has proven highly debated. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could in time represent a permanent answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the possibility of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|