It is devastating’: the way 30 captive white whales have become bargaining chips in row over animal welfare.

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are held stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the cost of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a job that involved gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so surprised by the nuances and quirks in their characters. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with contrasting temperaments.

“One whale chose me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales developed against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility attributes to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality health care and around the clock supervision than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected information of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was released soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant manpower”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official rejected a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reveal a broader lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has proven contentious. The planned facility, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary represents a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

An official, head of the plan, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|