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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated controversy over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are held threatened to euthanize them unless the government covers the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and communal behavior point to they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer learned first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a whale caretaker, a role that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

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

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so amazed by the subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different personalities.

“Eve selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each changed the way I perceive bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales evolved against a context of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since 2019, a number which the facility attributes to natural mortality, but which activists say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and move about with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but earlier asserted: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and around the clock care than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility believed information of the death were shared to the press and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

She supports requests for the whales to be transferred promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In recent months, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the request would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that marine mammals are meant for the sea, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reveal a broader lack of awareness of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a answer, ideas have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has proven highly debated. The prospective site, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

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

Different voices say the prospect of a protected habitat reflects a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the facility will replicate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|