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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated controversy over their fate often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government disallowed the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government funds the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something one caretaker observed first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed building relationships of the marine predators.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so amazed by the details and quirks in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for two female belugas with contrasting personalities.

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

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales developed against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past claimed: “The whales … get far higher quality health care and constant supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in early March following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park believed particulars of the death were shared to the press and she was fired soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and machinery.

“There’s no way in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the wild, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments indicate a more general misunderstanding of the realities of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be most controversial. The prospective location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain optimistic 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 “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the idea of a protected habitat represents a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and diet the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|