🔗 Share this article

Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense controversy over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the people who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to end their lives unless the federal government pays for the upkeep of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their sound replication, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer observed personally.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a role that entailed earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so amazed by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a special affection for two female belugas with different natures.

“Eve chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both changed the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools 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 comment to a inquiry, but previously asserted: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and around the clock care than any individual in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in early March following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility believed information of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to put down even a single beluga would require “significant staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales belong in the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reveal a broader misunderstanding of the facts of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a solution, proposals have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The future location, which includes a large area of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the short term.

An official, leader of the plan, said the facility will mimic the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|