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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense controversy over their future often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to put them down unless the authorities funds the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and social skills indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer discovered directly.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

“One whale accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each changed the way I view bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales developed against a context of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her tenure at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a statistic which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … get far better veterinary services and around the clock attention than any person in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in early March following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought particulars of the death were leaked to the press and she was released soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess 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 plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and machinery.

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

She backs calls for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In late September, the nation’s government official turned down a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a perpetual life in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an transfer that would continue the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reveal a wider lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a answer, proposals have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A planned refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has proven most controversial. The prospective site, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Supporters remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the prospect of a sanctuary reflects a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a viable approach in the near future.

The project lead, head of the plan, said the site will mimic the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|