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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park 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 heated discussion over their destiny often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities covers the expense of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and social skills indicate they are remarkably smart mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She developed a deep bond for a pair of whales with opposing temperaments.

“One whale selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her three years at the park, 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 inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “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 navigate with fragments in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and constant attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected particulars of the incident were leaked to the news outlets and she was fired not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in distress. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any attempts to put down even a single beluga would require “immense staff”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

She supports demands for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual existence in captivity and a return to display for amusement,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks indicate a wider misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a solution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain hopeful that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a refuge reflects a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the site will replicate the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|