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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a shuttered park, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to end their lives unless the government funds the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, problem solving and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something a former trainer learned first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that required gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

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

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different personalities.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and constant supervision than any human in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected information of the incident were leaked to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any attempts to put down even a individual beluga would require “immense personnel”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s government official turned down a bid to export the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing existence in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that belugas should be in the wild, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience permit an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments reflect a broader misunderstanding of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity 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 work to find a resolution, proposals have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned site, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Supporters remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary represents a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and diet the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|