🔗 Share this article

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated debate over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the people who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities covers the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that demand, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a job that required building relationships of the marine predators.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, 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 gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She cultivated a particular love for a pair of whales with contrasting natures.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales evolved against a background of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

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

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected particulars of the death were shared to the media and she was fired not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

She advocates for requests for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a proposal to send the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that belugas should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience permit an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reveal a broader incorrect perception of the facts of existence 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 rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a solution, proposals have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The future location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a long term solution for eight of the whales.

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

Others say the idea of a sanctuary indicates a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

The project lead, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|