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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the federal government pays for the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart mammals – something a former trainer observed directly.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that entailed earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different personalities.

“Eve selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both altered the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a background of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes results of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park believed details of the death were shared to the media and she was let go not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any efforts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She advocates for demands for the whales to be taken promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

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

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements indicate a more general lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

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

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a answer, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of food for local populations.

A planned protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The future location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a permanent answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a workable approach in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the plan, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|