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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense discussion over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities disallowed the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to euthanize them unless the authorities covers the expense of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their sound replication, intellectual tasks and social skills point to they are highly cognitive mammals – something one caretaker discovered directly.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that required gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a special affection for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They altered the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales evolved against a background of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected information of the death were disclosed to the press and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a individual beluga would require “considerable staff”, trucks 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 dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reveal a broader lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has shown to be most controversial. The planned location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a permanent solution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the short term.

The project lead, leader of the initiative, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|