🔗 Share this article

Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their fate often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to end their lives unless the authorities funds the cost of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills indicate they are remarkably smart creatures – something one caretaker discovered directly.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting natures.

“Eve chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each transformed the way I view bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales progressed against a background of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her three years at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility links to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates 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 witnessed firsthand consequences of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but earlier asserted: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and 24/7 care than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in recent months following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park suspected details of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was released not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to put down even a single beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She backs demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a request to send the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks indicate a more general lack of awareness of the facts of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a answer, suggestions have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually represent a sustainable resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a workable approach in the short term.

An official, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|