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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the heated controversy over their destiny often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities covers the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something a former trainer learned first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and quirks in their personalities. She formed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

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

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales developed against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say points to the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The park did not open to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality medical attention and constant supervision than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the facility believed particulars of the death were shared to the media and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “significant manpower”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s government official denied a bid to export the whales to China.

“To approve the request would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that belugas belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments reflect a wider incorrect perception of the facts of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a resolution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A planned sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has been highly debated. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, is not yet built. Proponents remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a long term solution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the prospect of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a workable plan in the coming months.

The project lead, leader of the initiative, said the site will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|