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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated discussion over their fate often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling amusement park near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government covers the expense of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a job that involved gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a deep bond for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

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

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

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

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility links to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not reply to a request for comment, but previously stated: “The whales … obtain far better health care and around the clock care than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park suspected particulars of the incident were shared to the press and she was fired not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be taken right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a ongoing situation in captivity and a return to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments indicate a wider misunderstanding of the realities of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has been most controversial. The planned location, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term resolution for eight of the whales.

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

Others say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, leader of the plan, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|