🔗 Share this article

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated controversy over their future often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been closely studied by the people who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government pays for the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

Burgess spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

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

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the details and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

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

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales developed against a background of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the park links to expected lifespan, but which activists say indicates the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock care than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in early March following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park suspected information of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was fired soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “significant staff”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be removed immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

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

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in captivity and a return to performance for audiences,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that belugas are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience permit an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements reflect a wider lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has shown to be contentious. The future location, which includes a large area of protected cove, is not yet built. Advocates remain positive that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for some of the whales.

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

Different voices say the possibility of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible solution in the short term.

An official, head of the initiative, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|