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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a closed attraction, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated debate over their future often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to euthanize them unless the federal government covers the cost of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and communal behavior suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something one caretaker learned directly.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a role that involved gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

“Eve selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They changed the way I perceive bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales progressed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park links to age-related causes, but which activists say reflects the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

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

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park believed particulars of the death were leaked to the press and she was released not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s government official denied a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a continued life in confinement and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that whales belong in the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience permit an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reflect a broader lack of awareness of the circumstances of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a answer, ideas have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven most controversial. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the idea of a sanctuary indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

An official, leader of the sanctuary project, said the site will replicate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|