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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense discussion over their future often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government covers the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something Kristy Burgess learned first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for a pair of whales with contrasting personalities.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales evolved against a background of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility links to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating 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 mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far better health care and 24/7 attention than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected particulars of the incident were shared to the press and she was let go not long after.

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

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

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

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a bid to send the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a continued life in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reveal a more general incorrect perception of the facts of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need human care 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 Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a answer, proposals have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The prospective facility, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a sustainable answer for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the prospect of a protected habitat reflects a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable approach in the short term.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|