🔗 Share this article

Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their future often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the expense of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and communal behavior suggest they are deeply intelligent mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that entailed building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so surprised by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with contrasting personalities.

“Eve chose me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far better health care and around the clock care than any person in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park thought information of the death were leaked to the news outlets and she was released not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, trucks and specialized tools.

“There’s no way in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official rejected a request to export the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reflect a wider lack of awareness of the circumstances of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a solution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received regulatory clearance, has been contentious. The future facility, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a sanctuary indicates a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the initiative, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|