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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales 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 impassioned debate over their fate often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the people who see them each day.

After the Canadian government disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are held warned to end their lives unless the government pays for the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess learned personally.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a job that involved earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for a pair of whales with different personalities.

“Eve selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “They altered the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales progressed against a background of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say indicates the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier asserted: “The whales … receive far higher quality health care and around the clock care than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in recent months following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility believed particulars of the death were disclosed to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and machinery.

“It’s impossible in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a more general incorrect perception of the circumstances of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The prospective location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could in time represent a long term resolution 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 untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary represents a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible solution in the short term.

An official, head of the plan, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|