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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense debate over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to end their lives unless the federal government covers the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior suggest they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer learned personally.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that required building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

“One whale accepted me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a background of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park links to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a inquiry, but in the past claimed: “The whales … receive far superior medical attention and around the clock care than any individual in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in early March following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the park believed details of the death were disclosed to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in distress. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

“It cannot happen in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

She advocates for demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official denied a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual life in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the wild, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements reflect a wider incorrect perception of the circumstances of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of food for Inuit communities.

A planned refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven most controversial. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain optimistic that it could in time represent a sustainable 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’ future.

Different voices say the possibility of a sanctuary represents a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a workable approach in the coming months.

An official, leader of the initiative, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|