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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles 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 caught in a disagreement between a defunct facility, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government covers the cost of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and communal behavior indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer discovered personally.

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

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

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 developed a particular love for two female belugas with contrasting personalities.

“One whale selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each altered the way I view relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales developed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which activists say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but earlier asserted: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and constant care than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the park in recent months following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park believed information of the death were shared to the media and she was released soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in distress. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In late September, the nation’s government official turned down a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience permit an relocation that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements indicate a more general lack of awareness of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a resolution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A planned protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven contentious. The future site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the prospect of a protected habitat reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the coming months.

The project lead, leader of the plan, said the site will mimic the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|