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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the authorities pays for the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something one caretaker learned directly.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a position that involved building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and quirks in their dispositions. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different natures.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both transformed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not open to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any human in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the park believed details of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was released soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any plans to put down even a single beluga would require “considerable staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess supports requests for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual life in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that belugas should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would continue the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reflect a broader lack of awareness of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need constant supervision 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 authorities struggle to find a answer, suggestions have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which has received regulatory clearance, has proven contentious. The future site, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary reflects a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

An official, leader of the initiative, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|