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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their future often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government disallowed the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are remarkably smart mammals – something a former trainer observed personally.

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

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

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

“One whale chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “They changed the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and move about with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far superior medical attention and constant attention than any individual in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park thought information of the death were leaked to the press and she was let go soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

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

In recent months, the nation’s government official denied a proposal to export the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the request would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that belugas belong in the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience permit an transfer that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments reveal a wider misunderstanding of the facts of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for a number of the whales.

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

Some experts say the prospect of a protected habitat represents a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the short term.

An official, leader of the plan, said the site will mimic the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|