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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the people who interact with them daily.

After the federal government blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to euthanize them unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and communal behavior indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something one caretaker discovered first-hand.

She spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing personalities.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and around the clock supervision than any person in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in the spring following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park suspected details of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any efforts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She supports requests for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official denied a bid to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a return to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that whales belong in the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience authorize an export that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments indicate a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities work to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a sustainable answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the possibility of a protected habitat indicates a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the initiative, said the site will mimic the cognitive activities and diet the whales get from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|