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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated controversy over their future often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the authorities pays for the cost of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are remarkably smart mammals – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

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

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

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

“Eve selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each altered the way I view connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a context of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. 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 kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

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

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility believed particulars of the incident were shared to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “significant staff”, vehicles and machinery.

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

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual life in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements reflect a broader lack of awareness of the facts of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As authorities attempt to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, 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 food for Indigenous peoples.

A planned sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The prospective site, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually represent a sustainable resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the plan, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|