‘It’s heartbreaking’: how 30 confined beluga whales have become pawns in row over animal cruelty.

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute little “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a shuttered park, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated controversy over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed warned to euthanize them unless the federal government covers the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are remarkably smart animals – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that involved building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the details and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

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

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the facility links to natural mortality, but which advocates say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far superior health care and around the clock attention than any person in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in early March following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park believed details of the death were leaked to the press and she was let go not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “immense staff”, equipment and machinery.

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

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

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a bid to send the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a continued life in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that whales belong in the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an export that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a more general lack of awareness of the realities of existence for belugas born in captivity.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As authorities attempt to find a resolution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has proven contentious. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain positive that it could ultimately represent a permanent answer for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a sanctuary represents a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the site will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|