🔗 Share this article

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense controversy over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the people who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are held threatened to euthanize them unless the government funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and social skills indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something one caretaker discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that involved building relationships of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so surprised by the details and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with different temperaments.

“One whale chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, succumbed. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say indicates the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes results of the shutdown. “Concrete is breaking off from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality health care and 24/7 supervision than any person in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in the spring following the death of Eos, 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 fired soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports requests for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a return to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that belugas belong in the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an relocation that would prolong the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements reflect a broader incorrect perception of the facts of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” 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 attempt to find a answer, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has proven highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a sustainable resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary indicates a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

An official, leader of the plan, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and diet the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|