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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated controversy over their fate often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to put them down unless the government pays for the cost of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that required building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing temperaments.

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

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales developed against a background of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock care than any human in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed details of the death were disclosed to the press and she was let go not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in distress. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

“There’s no way in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

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

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience approve an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a wider misunderstanding of the facts of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats 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 ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities work to find a answer, ideas have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually represent a sustainable answer for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the possibility of a protected habitat represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the near future.

An official, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|