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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles 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 been caught in a disagreement between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense controversy over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the humans who see them each day.

After the Canadian government blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the federal government funds the cost of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something Kristy Burgess observed personally.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the subtleties and unique traits in their characters. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different natures.

“One whale chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I view bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s relationship with the whales progressed against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with fragments in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a inquiry, but in the past asserted: “The whales … receive far better medical attention and constant care than any human in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in recent months following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed particulars of the incident were shared to the press and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any efforts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “immense staff”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

She advocates for calls for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a request to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the request would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an export that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments indicate a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of food for Indigenous peoples.

A planned protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The future site, which includes a large area of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a sustainable answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge indicates a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

An official, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|