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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the heated debate over their fate often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities disallowed the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities pays for the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and communal behavior indicate they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker observed personally.

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

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

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting personalities.

“Eve selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each transformed the way I view relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales progressed against a context of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park links to natural mortality, but which activists say points to the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … obtain far superior veterinary services and around the clock care than any person in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in recent months following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed information of the death were disclosed to the press and she was fired not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in distress. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “significant manpower”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments indicate a more general misunderstanding of the facts of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a resolution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The planned location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for eight of the whales.

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

Different voices say the prospect of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible solution in the coming months.

The project lead, head of the initiative, said the facility will mimic the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|