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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a shuttered park, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government funds the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart mammals – something a former trainer observed personally.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that involved earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She developed a deep bond for a pair of whales with contrasting natures.

“One whale chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a inquiry, but earlier asserted: “The whales … get far superior veterinary services and around the clock supervision than any human in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in early March following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park thought information of the death were leaked to the media and she was released not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left her and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a individual beluga would require “significant manpower”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She backs requests for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments indicate a broader incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A planned sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The prospective site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain positive that it could in time represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|