🔗 Share this article

Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a shuttered park, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to put them down unless the government covers the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer discovered first-hand.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She cultivated a deep bond for a pair of whales with different temperaments.

“Eve chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each transformed the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior medical attention and constant supervision than any person in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the park in early March following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility thought information of the death were shared to the news outlets and she was let go not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that belugas belong in the ocean, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience permit an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reveal a broader lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a resolution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received regulatory clearance, has been most controversial. The planned site, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually represent a permanent answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the possibility of a protected habitat indicates a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a workable approach in the short term.

The project lead, head of the initiative, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|