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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a disagreement between a shuttered park, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense controversy over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the federal government funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and social skills indicate they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker observed first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She developed a particular love for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

“One whale accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I view connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which activists say indicates the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is breaking off from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far better health care and constant care than any individual in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected information of the death were disclosed to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any efforts to put down even a individual beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and machinery.

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

She supports requests for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s government official turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the minister wrote. “As Canadians, we know that belugas should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments indicate a broader incorrect perception of the facts of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has shown to be most controversial. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

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

Different voices say the idea of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a workable plan in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the location will mimic the cognitive activities and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|