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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a shuttered park, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to put them down unless the authorities pays for the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart animals – something Kristy Burgess learned personally.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

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

“One whale accepted me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each altered the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales progressed against a context of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and move about with pieces in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 care than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought particulars of the death were disclosed to the press and she was released soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and staff members in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “significant manpower”, equipment and machinery.

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

She advocates for requests for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that whales belong in the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a broader incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities work to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A planned protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has been most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent answer for some of the whales.

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

Different voices say the prospect of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

An official, leader of the sanctuary project, said the facility will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|