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

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated debate over their fate often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the federal government covers the upkeep of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are remarkably smart creatures – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

Burgess spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a particular love for two female belugas with different natures.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They altered the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her tenure at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say points to the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far superior health care and 24/7 care than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in early March following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility believed information of the death were shared to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “significant personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official denied a proposal to export the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a continued life in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments indicate a broader incorrect perception of the facts of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a sustainable solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

An official, leader of the sanctuary project, said the facility will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|