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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the struggling amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to end their lives unless the federal government covers the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that demand, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker observed first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a role that required building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for two female belugas with different natures.

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

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not open to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past asserted: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and 24/7 attention than any human in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in early March following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility thought details of the death were leaked to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant manpower”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

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

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing situation in captivity and a return to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reveal a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities attempt to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a refuge indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a workable solution in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the facility will replicate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|