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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense discussion over their fate often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government pays for the expense of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker learned directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so amazed by the details and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a particular love for a pair of whales with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I view bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and move about with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in recent months following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park thought details of the incident were leaked to the news outlets and she was fired not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be taken right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a perpetual existence in captivity and a return to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that marine mammals belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience permit an relocation that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments reflect a more general lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a resolution, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has proven most controversial. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a protected habitat represents a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the coming months.

The project lead, head of the sanctuary project, said the facility will mimic the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|