🔗 Share this article

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the heated discussion over their fate often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities covers the cost of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior suggest they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that required earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a special affection for two female belugas with different natures.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each transformed the way I view relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say indicates the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly effects of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and navigate with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and around the clock care than any person in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in early March following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility thought details of the death were disclosed to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any efforts to put down even a single 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 calls for the whales to be taken promptly from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official turned down a proposal to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a ongoing life in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reveal a more general incorrect perception of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a resolution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A planned protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The future site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a sustainable answer for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the idea of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

An official, director of the initiative, said the facility will replicate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|