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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the people who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to put them down unless the authorities covers the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive animals – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that required gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. 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 even so surprised by the details and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

“Eve chose me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both transformed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales developed against a background of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility attributes to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but previously asserted: “The whales … obtain far better veterinary services and constant care than any human in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected details of the incident were leaked to the media and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a bid to send the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As Canadians, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in good conscience permit an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reveal a wider lack of awareness of the realities of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven contentious. The future location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain optimistic that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the possibility of a protected habitat represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable solution in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the facility will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|