It is deeply saddening’: the way thirty captive beluga whales are now tools in row over inhumane treatment.

Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the people who see them each day.

After the Canadian government blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are held threatened to euthanize them unless the government funds the cost of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills indicate they are deeply intelligent animals – something a former trainer learned directly.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. 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 wonderful and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with different natures.

“One whale chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “They transformed the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales developed against a background of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say indicates the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not operate to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but previously asserted: “The whales … obtain far superior medical attention and 24/7 care than any individual in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any efforts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In recent months, Canada’s government official turned down a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the request would have meant a ongoing life in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience approve an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments indicate a wider lack of awareness of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a solution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of food for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

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

Some experts say the possibility of a protected habitat reflects a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable approach in the short term.

An official, head of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|