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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated discussion over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the people who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the cost of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and group interactions suggest they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

Burgess spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that involved gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the details and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She cultivated a deep bond for a pair of whales with opposing temperaments.

“Eve selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales evolved against a background of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say indicates the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock attention than any human in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the facility thought details of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was let go not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a individual beluga would require “considerable staff”, vehicles and machinery.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a ongoing life in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that belugas should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience permit an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a wider incorrect perception of the realities of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a answer, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain positive that it could eventually represent a sustainable solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ future.

Others say the idea of a refuge reflects a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

An official, head of the plan, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|