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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated debate over their fate often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the people who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed threatened to put them down unless the authorities funds the upkeep of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and communal behavior suggest they are remarkably smart creatures – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a position that involved building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park links to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not reply to a inquiry, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior veterinary services and around the clock attention than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in early March following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park suspected information of the death were leaked 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 distress. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any efforts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “considerable manpower”, vehicles and specialized tools.

“It cannot happen in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be transferred promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a request to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a continued life in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that belugas should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a broader incorrect perception of the circumstances of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities work to find a answer, proposals have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has shown to be most controversial. The future site, which includes a large area of protected cove, is not yet built. Supporters remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a permanent answer for some of the whales.

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

Different voices say the idea of a sanctuary indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

The project lead, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|