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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a shuttered park, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who see them each day.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to euthanize them unless the government pays for the expense of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart creatures – something Kristy Burgess discovered directly.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. 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 even so surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She developed a particular love for two female belugas with opposing personalities.

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

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say indicates the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … get far superior veterinary services and around the clock supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the park in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected details of the death were shared to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, vehicles and specialized tools.

“It’s impossible in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s government official denied a request to send the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As society, we know that belugas belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements indicate a more general incorrect perception of the facts of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats 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 ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a answer, proposals have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A planned sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The future site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a sustainable resolution for a number of the whales.

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

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable plan in the near future.

The project lead, leader of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and diet the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|