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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated debate over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been closely studied by the people who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the federal government funds the expense of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a whale caretaker, a position that required gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a particular love for a pair of whales with contrasting temperaments.

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

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a background of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her tenure at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not open to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and navigate with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier asserted: “The whales … get far better veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed particulars of the incident were shared to the press and she was released soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “considerable manpower”, vehicles and specialized tools.

“It’s impossible in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be taken promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official turned down a bid to export the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a return to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals should be in the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reflect a wider incorrect perception of the realities of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities work to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for local populations.

A planned sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a long term solution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the idea of a refuge indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable approach in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|