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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are remarkably smart mammals – something one caretaker discovered directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a job that required gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing temperaments.

“One whale selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Both transformed the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier asserted: “The whales … obtain far better veterinary services and constant care than any person in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in early March following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility thought information of the incident were shared to the media and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any plans to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense manpower”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess supports requests for the whales to be removed immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, the nation’s government official denied a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the request would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the wild, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience permit an export that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reveal a wider misunderstanding of the facts of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A planned sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The prospective location, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term answer for some of the whales.

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

Others say the idea of a refuge represents a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible plan in the near future.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the site will replicate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|