‘It’s devastating’: how 30 captive white whales have become bargaining chips in row over animal welfare.

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the people who see them each day.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the government funds the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and social skills indicate they are remarkably smart creatures – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a position that entailed earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their characters. She formed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing personalities.

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

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales developed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in the spring following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility suspected particulars of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was let go not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to put down even a single beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and machinery.

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

She backs calls for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a continued situation in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments indicate a wider misunderstanding of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has been highly debated. The prospective site, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term solution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

An official, director of the sanctuary project, said the facility will replicate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|