‘It’s devastating’: the way thirty captive beluga whales are being used as pawns in row over animal cruelty.

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle between a shuttered park, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed threatened to put them down unless the authorities funds the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker observed first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a whale caretaker, a role that involved gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and unique traits in their characters. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

“Eve accepted me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s connection with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park links to age-related causes, but which advocates say indicates the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock attention than any person in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in early March following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the park believed information of the death were disclosed to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any efforts to put down even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, 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 taken right away from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a continued life in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in good conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reveal a more general incorrect perception of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a resolution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A proposed refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The planned location, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable plan in the coming months.

The project lead, leader of the plan, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|