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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the federal government covers the cost of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a job that entailed building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the outset, 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 extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the subtleties and quirks in their characters. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting personalities.

“One whale selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales developed against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park attributes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and around the clock attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in the spring following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park suspected information of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was released soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in distress. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to put down even a single beluga would require “immense staff”, equipment and machinery.

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

She advocates for requests for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a bid to export the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a perpetual life in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that belugas belong in the wild, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience permit an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reflect a broader incorrect perception of the circumstances of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials struggle to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

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

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, head of the initiative, said the site will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|