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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are held stated it would consider to put them down unless the government funds the upkeep of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior point to they are deeply intelligent animals – something Kristy Burgess learned personally.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different personalities.

“Eve selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales developed against a context of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far better veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any person in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in the spring following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park believed information of the death were shared to the press and she was released not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s warning to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense manpower”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

She backs demands for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s government official rejected a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual life in confinement and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an relocation that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

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

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has been contentious. The planned site, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a permanent solution for eight of the whales.

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

Others say the idea of a refuge indicates a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a workable plan in the near future.

An official, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and diet the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|