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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities 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 confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to put them down unless the federal government covers the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker learned personally.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a job that involved gaining confidence of the marine predators.

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

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a deep bond for a pair of whales with opposing personalities.

“One whale accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “They changed the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales progressed against a context of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say points to the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far better health care and around the clock supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the facility thought information of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

She backs calls for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

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

“Granting the application would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reflect a broader misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has been most controversial. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term solution for some of the whales.

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

Others say the idea of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the near future.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the site will mimic the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|