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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills point to they are remarkably smart mammals – something a former trainer discovered directly.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a position that involved building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting personalities.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say indicates the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but previously stated: “The whales … get far superior medical attention and around the clock care than any person in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in recent months following the death of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park thought details of the incident were shared to the press and she was let go soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any efforts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be removed immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In recent months, Canada’s government official rejected a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements indicate a more general lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a answer, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has shown to be contentious. The prospective site, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

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

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary indicates a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the plan, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|