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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming little “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government blocked the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities pays for the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

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

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the details and quirks in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting temperaments.

“One whale chose me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Both altered the way I view bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the park links to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes results of the cessation. “Concrete is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and move about with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but previously stated: “The whales … get far better veterinary services and around the clock attention than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park thought information of the death were leaked to the press and she was fired not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left her and staff members in distress. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any efforts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a return to performance for audiences,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that belugas are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reflect a broader lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will replicate the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|