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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to put them down unless the government pays for the upkeep of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior suggest they are deeply intelligent mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the outset, 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 magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a special affection for a pair of whales with opposing temperaments.

“One whale accepted me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both altered the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales evolved against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the park links to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far better health care and 24/7 care than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in recent months following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility believed details of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She supports demands for the whales to be taken right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an export that would prolong the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments indicate a more general incorrect perception of the facts of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a answer, suggestions have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A planned sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be contentious. The planned location, which includes extensive space of protected cove, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ future.

Others say the idea of a refuge represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a feasible approach in the coming months.

The project lead, leader of the plan, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|