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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective friend. 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 amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a defunct facility, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their future often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government funds the cost of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart mammals – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so surprised by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for a pair of whales with contrasting natures.

“One whale chose me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They changed the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

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

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility links to age-related causes, but which activists say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … get far higher quality medical attention and constant supervision than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in early March following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed information of the incident were shared to the press and she was released soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any efforts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

“It cannot happen in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

She backs demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s government official turned down a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience permit an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reflect a more general incorrect perception of the realities of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A planned refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has proven highly debated. The prospective location, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the possibility of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|