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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated controversy over their fate often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government pays for the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are highly cognitive animals – something one caretaker discovered directly.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a job that required earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and quirks in their characters. She developed a special affection for a pair of whales with opposing temperaments.

“Eve chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each changed the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales developed against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … get far superior health care and 24/7 supervision than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the park in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed details of the death were shared to the media and she was fired not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any plans to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “immense staff”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

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

“To approve the request would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements indicate a broader incorrect perception of the realities of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The future site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could in time represent a sustainable solution for some of the whales.

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

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible solution in the short term.

An official, head of the plan, said the facility will mimic the cognitive activities and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|