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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense debate over their fate often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the federal government pays for the expense of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and communal behavior suggest they are highly cognitive mammals – something a former trainer observed directly.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that involved building relationships of the sea creatures.

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

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“Eve chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They altered the way I perceive bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her tenure at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park links to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not open to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but in the past claimed: “The whales … receive far higher quality health care and constant care than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in early March following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park believed particulars of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to put down even a individual beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and machinery.

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

She supports requests for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reveal a more general lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for local populations.

A planned sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven contentious. The prospective site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain hopeful that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge indicates a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the coming months.

The project lead, head of the initiative, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales receive 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|