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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense discussion over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the federal government funds the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a position that involved building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Developing 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 reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her tenure at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say indicates the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not reply to a inquiry, but in the past asserted: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and constant supervision than any individual in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in early March following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the park suspected details of the death were leaked to the news outlets and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and specialized tools.

“It cannot happen in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official denied a request to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that whales belong in the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience authorize an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments reflect a broader incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely 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 ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A planned sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has been contentious. The prospective location, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Supporters remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a sustainable solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the prospect of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|