It is heartbreaking’: how thirty captive white whales are now pawns in conflict over animal cruelty.

The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the people who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the government covers the cost of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills point to they are remarkably smart animals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

Burgess spent three years as a whale caretaker, a role that involved building relationships of the marine predators.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so amazed by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a particular love for two female belugas with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales progressed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past asserted: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and 24/7 supervision than any person in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected particulars of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She supports calls for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a bid to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience authorize an export that would prolong the situation these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments reflect a broader incorrect perception of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a answer, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The future facility, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a sustainable solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a workable approach in the near future.

The project lead, head of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|