🔗 Share this article

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming little “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense debate over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government funds the upkeep of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are highly cognitive creatures – something a former trainer learned personally.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the details and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She cultivated a special affection for two female belugas with opposing natures.

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

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales evolved against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and move about with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a inquiry, but previously asserted: “The whales … receive far higher quality health care and around the clock care than any human in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park suspected particulars of the incident were shared to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be removed promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the wild, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in clear 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 incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand 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 understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials struggle to find a resolution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for local populations.

A suggested sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has been most controversial. The planned facility, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could in time represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

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

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

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|