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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle between a shuttered park, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to put them down unless the government covers the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and social skills indicate they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker observed directly.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a role that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They changed the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales developed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which activists say indicates the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … obtain far better health care and constant attention than any person in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in recent months following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the death were shared to the news outlets and she was let go not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, trucks and specialized tools.

“It’s impossible 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 reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a proposal to send the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements indicate a wider incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The society 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. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials struggle to find a answer, ideas have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven contentious. The future location, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will replicate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|