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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the government covers the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker observed personally.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so amazed by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with different natures.

“Eve chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park attributes to age-related causes, but which activists say indicates the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a inquiry, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far superior health care and constant care than any individual in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park thought particulars of the incident were shared to the press and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official turned down a proposal to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals should be in the wild, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in good conscience permit an export that would prolong the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reveal a wider incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A planned sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has been contentious. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a permanent answer for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the prospect of a refuge represents a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a viable approach in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the initiative, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|