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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute small “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their fate often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who see them each day.

After the federal government disallowed the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the government covers the cost of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills indicate they are deeply intelligent mammals – something a former trainer discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a job that involved gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so amazed by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different natures.

“Eve accepted me. The other demanded work,” she said. “They changed the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which advocates say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier asserted: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in early March following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility believed details of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was let go not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official rejected a bid to export the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an transfer that would continue the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a more general lack of awareness of the realities of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a answer, ideas have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has been highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain optimistic that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the possibility of a protected habitat reflects a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the coming months.

An official, director of the plan, said the site will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|