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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are held stated it would consider to put them down unless the federal government funds the expense of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess learned personally.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a role that involved earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so amazed by the nuances and quirks in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for a pair of whales with opposing natures.

“Eve selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I view connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales progressed against a context of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a statistic which the facility links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes results of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with fragments in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … get far higher quality medical attention and constant attention than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the park in recent months following the passing of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park thought particulars of the death were shared to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to put down even a individual beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be removed immediately from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In late September, the nation’s government official turned down a request to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a continued life in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reflect a more general misunderstanding 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 remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a resolution, proposals have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually represent a long term resolution for some of the whales.

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

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a workable plan in the coming months.

The project lead, leader of the initiative, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|