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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the federal government funds the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker observed personally.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a role that required earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and quirks in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for a pair of whales with different natures.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales developed against a context of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the park links to age-related causes, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but previously stated: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and 24/7 attention than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility suspected information of the death were leaked to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

She supports demands for the whales to be removed immediately from the park, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued situation in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that whales belong in the sea, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reveal a more general incorrect perception of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a solution, proposals have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The future facility, which includes a large area of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain optimistic that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the possibility of a refuge represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

The project lead, leader of the plan, said the site will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|