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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their future often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to end their lives unless the authorities covers the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart creatures – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so surprised by the subtleties and unique traits in their characters. She developed a deep bond for a pair of whales with different temperaments.

“Eve chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both transformed the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales developed against a background of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which advocates say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

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

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in recent months following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the incident were leaked to the news outlets and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a individual beluga would require “immense manpower”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments indicate a broader incorrect perception of the realities 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 remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As authorities work to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A planned protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has proven most controversial. The planned site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the idea of a sanctuary represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, director of the initiative, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|