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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the intense controversy over their future often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the people who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities disallowed the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to end their lives unless the authorities funds the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something a former trainer discovered directly.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed building relationships of the marine predators.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the details and unique traits in their characters. She developed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting natures.

“Eve selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s connection with the whales progressed against a context of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say reflects the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … get far superior health care and constant attention than any individual in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the park in the spring following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

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

In recent months, the nation’s government official denied a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a perpetual existence in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reveal a more general incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has shown to be contentious. The prospective site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain optimistic that it could in time represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the initiative, said the location will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from specialists, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|