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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute little “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga 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, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the people who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to euthanize them unless the government funds the cost of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a job that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the details and unique traits in their characters. She formed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Each transformed the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with fragments in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality health care and 24/7 supervision than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected details of the death were leaked to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

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

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that belugas belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience approve an export that would prolong the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reflect a more general lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a resolution, proposals have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, is not yet built. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a long term solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the prospect of a refuge represents a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

The project lead, head of the sanctuary project, said the facility will mimic the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|