‘It’s heartbreaking’: how thirty captive beluga whales are now pawns in dispute over inhumane treatment.

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their destiny often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government pays for the expense of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills indicate they are remarkably smart mammals – something one caretaker observed directly.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a role that involved building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so surprised by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different personalities.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, died. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park links to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a inquiry, but in the past asserted: “The whales … obtain far higher quality medical attention and around the clock supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in early March following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park thought particulars of the incident were leaked to the media and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, equipment and heavy equipment.

“It’s impossible in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

She supports calls for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s government official turned down a request to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the request would have meant a ongoing existence in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that whales belong in the wild, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in good conscience permit an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements indicate a broader lack of awareness of the facts of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials struggle to find a resolution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The prospective facility, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a sustainable answer for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ future.

Others say the idea of a refuge represents a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

An official, director of the initiative, said the facility will mimic the mental engagement and diet the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|