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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a disagreement between a shuttered park, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer observed directly.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a position that required earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the start, 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 magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She developed a special affection for two female belugas with contrasting personalities.

“One whale accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each transformed the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but in the past asserted: “The whales … receive far higher quality health care and 24/7 care than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in the spring following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the park suspected particulars of the incident were leaked to the media and she was fired not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

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

“To approve the proposal would have meant a continued life in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would continue the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks indicate a more general misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The public 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. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of sustenance for local populations.

A planned protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The future location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a feasible solution in the short term.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the cognitive activities and diet the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|