🔗 Share this article

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable little “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their fate often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government blocked the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are held stated it would consider to put them down unless the federal government covers the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer observed directly.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a position that involved building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a special affection for two female belugas with contrasting personalities.

“Eve selected me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both altered the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales evolved against a background of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to 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 results of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far better medical attention and constant attention than any human in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in recent months following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park believed information of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “considerable staff”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

She backs calls for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reflect a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a answer, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be highly debated. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually represent a long term solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the prospect of a protected habitat represents a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the initiative, said the site will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|