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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated discussion over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are held stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the federal government funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, intellectual tasks and group interactions point to they are highly cognitive animals – something one caretaker discovered personally.

She spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, 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.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so surprised by the subtleties and quirks in their dispositions. She cultivated a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing temperaments.

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

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say indicates the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and constant supervision than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in recent months following the passing of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected information of the death were leaked to the media and she was released shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any attempts to put down even a individual beluga would require “significant personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She advocates for demands for the whales to be transferred promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In recent months, the nation’s government official rejected a proposal to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the request would have meant a ongoing existence in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would prolong the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reveal a more general misunderstanding of the realities of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to realize 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 comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, suggestions have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has been most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a long term resolution for eight of the whales.

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

Others say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable approach in the coming months.

An official, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|