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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a shuttered park, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to end their lives unless the authorities funds the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and social skills point to they are remarkably smart creatures – something Kristy Burgess observed personally.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a job that required earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing personalities.

“Eve selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each changed the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s connection with the whales progressed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which advocates say reflects the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes results of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with fragments in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far better medical attention and 24/7 supervision than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in recent months following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park suspected information of the death were shared to the media and she was fired not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and machinery.

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

She advocates for demands for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official denied a request to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a perpetual life in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an transfer that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a wider lack of awareness of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, ideas have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A planned sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has shown to be highly debated. The prospective location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a sustainable answer 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 “simply an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Others say the idea of a refuge represents a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable plan in the coming months.

The project lead, leader of the sanctuary project, said the site will replicate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|