It is deeply saddening’: the way thirty confined beluga whales are being used as pawns in conflict over animal cruelty.

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned debate over their future often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling amusement park near the famous falls where they are held threatened to end their lives unless the government covers the expense of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills point to they are highly cognitive mammals – something a former trainer discovered directly.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a job that entailed earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so surprised by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She developed a particular love for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each changed the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the shutdown. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … get far better health care and constant care than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the facility suspected information of the incident were shared to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and machinery.

“It cannot happen in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

She advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official denied a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reflect a more general lack of awareness of the facts of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a answer, suggestions have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A suggested sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has shown to be highly debated. The prospective site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain positive that it could ultimately represent a permanent solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a sanctuary represents a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the site will mimic the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales get from specialists, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|