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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to euthanize them unless the federal government funds the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

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

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for two female belugas with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes effects of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a inquiry, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality medical attention and around the clock care than any person in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in early March following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the facility believed details of the incident were leaked to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any efforts to put down even a individual beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and machinery.

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

She backs calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a perpetual existence in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reveal a wider lack of awareness of the realities of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|