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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways 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 Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated discussion over their future often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the people who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to put them down unless the federal government pays for the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and communal behavior suggest they are highly cognitive animals – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and unique traits in their characters. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with opposing personalities.

“Eve accepted me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both transformed the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales evolved against a context of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not open to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past claimed: “The whales … receive far higher quality health care and 24/7 attention than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in early March following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park thought details of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was let go soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

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

In the autumn, Canada’s government official turned down a bid to export the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a perpetual life in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reveal a more general lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a answer, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has been contentious. The future site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for eight of the whales.

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

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge indicates a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a workable approach in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the facility will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|