🔗 Share this article

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the intense discussion over their future often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the people who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the federal government funds the expense of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something one caretaker learned personally.

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

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

“One whale chose me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales developed against a background of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far superior health care and 24/7 supervision than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in the spring following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility thought information of the death were disclosed to the press and she was released soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, vehicles and machinery.

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

She advocates for demands for the whales to be transferred promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In recent months, the nation’s government official denied a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual life in captivity and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that whales belong in the wild, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience approve an relocation that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reflect a broader misunderstanding of the facts of existence 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 rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, proposals 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 important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has been highly debated. The future location, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

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

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge indicates a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the facility will replicate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|