It is deeply saddening’: how 30 captive white whales have become pawns in row over inhumane treatment.

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense controversy over their destiny often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to put them down unless the authorities pays for the upkeep of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are remarkably smart mammals – something a former trainer discovered personally.

She spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that required earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Establishing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the subtleties and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a particular love for a pair of whales with opposing temperaments.

“Eve chose me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each transformed the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s relationship with the whales evolved against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park links to expected lifespan, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not open to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but previously claimed: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and 24/7 care than any individual in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in recent months following the passing of Eos, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the facility suspected details of the death were disclosed to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

She backs requests for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a continued situation in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience permit an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a more general misunderstanding of the realities of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a resolution, ideas have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A planned refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The future facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain positive that it could in time represent a long term resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

An official, leader of the initiative, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|