‘It’s devastating’: how 30 captive beluga whales are now bargaining chips in row over inhumane treatment.

Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the heated controversy over their fate often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the government funds the cost of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a role that involved gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

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

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I view bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far better health care and constant care than any individual in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the park thought information of the incident were leaked to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “immense staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

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

“To approve the application would have meant a continued life in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As society, we know that whales should be in the sea, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks indicate a broader misunderstanding of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has proven contentious. The planned location, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could in time represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a refuge represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the facility will mimic the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|