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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned debate over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who see them each day.

After the Canadian government blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed threatened to put them down unless the government pays for the cost of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and communal behavior suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something one caretaker discovered personally.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Developing 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. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the details and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“One whale chose me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales developed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a statistic which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and navigate with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and constant care than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in early March following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected particulars of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any efforts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, trucks and machinery.

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

She advocates for demands for the whales to be taken promptly from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a request to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a ongoing situation in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience authorize an transfer that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reveal a wider lack of awareness of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials struggle to find a answer, proposals have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a sustainable resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible approach in the coming months.

The project lead, head of the sanctuary project, said the facility will replicate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|