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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated debate over their future often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to end their lives unless the authorities funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that involved building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“One whale selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They transformed the way I view bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which advocates say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a inquiry, but in the past claimed: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected particulars of the incident were leaked to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

She advocates for calls for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In recent months, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reveal a wider lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A planned refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has proven most controversial. The prospective site, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Supporters remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable answer for eight of the whales.

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

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

The project lead, leader of the initiative, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and diet the whales get from trainers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|