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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a disagreement between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the people who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the government covers the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and social skills indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a position that entailed building relationships of the marine predators.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

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

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales evolved against a context of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her tenure at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a statistic which the facility links to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The park did not operate to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly effects 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 pick it up and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and constant attention than any person in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in early March following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park thought particulars of the death were shared to the news outlets and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any efforts to put down even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, vehicles and specialized tools.

“It’s impossible in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

She advocates for calls for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a request to export the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that belugas belong in the wild, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reflect a wider misunderstanding of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be most controversial. The planned facility, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain positive that it could eventually represent a permanent answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a protected habitat reflects a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

The project lead, head of the plan, said the site will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|