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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to put them down unless the federal government funds the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their sound replication, problem solving and communal behavior indicate they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker observed directly.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the nuances and quirks in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for two female belugas with different temperaments.

“One whale selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but earlier asserted: “The whales … get far higher quality health care and 24/7 supervision than any individual in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in early March following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to put down even a single beluga would require “significant personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She advocates for demands for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister wrote. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reflect a wider misunderstanding of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a answer, ideas have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The prospective location, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for some of the whales.

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

Others say the idea of a sanctuary represents a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable approach in the near future.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|