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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated controversy over their fate often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the people who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed threatened to euthanize them unless the government pays for the upkeep of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills point to they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered personally.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that required building relationships of the marine predators.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the nuances and quirks in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for a pair of whales with different natures.

“Eve accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales progressed against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and swim around with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but earlier asserted: “The whales … receive far better health care and 24/7 attention than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility thought details of the incident were leaked to the news outlets and she was released soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official rejected a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual existence in captivity and a return to performance for audiences,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that belugas should be in the wild, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an export that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments indicate a wider incorrect perception of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials struggle to find a resolution, ideas have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be highly debated. The future location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

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

Others say the prospect of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the site will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|