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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities prevented the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart animals – something Kristy Burgess observed personally.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a role that required earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

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

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their dispositions. She cultivated a deep bond for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

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

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … receive far better health care and 24/7 supervision than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought details of the death were disclosed to the media and she was fired not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She supports calls for the whales to be removed promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a request to send the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As society, we know that marine mammals are meant for the sea, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a wider misunderstanding of the realities of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a resolution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of food for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

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

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the plan, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|