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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to put them down unless the federal government funds the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker discovered directly.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a role that entailed building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the details and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She cultivated a special affection for two female belugas with different natures.

“One whale selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They altered the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and move about with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a inquiry, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far better health care and constant attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in early March following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the park thought particulars of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any efforts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be taken right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

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

“Granting the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the wild, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments indicate a wider misunderstanding of the realities of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities work to find a answer, proposals have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has proven highly debated. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually represent a permanent answer for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the possibility of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the coming months.

The project lead, head of the sanctuary project, said the facility will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|