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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned controversy over their fate often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to end their lives unless the authorities covers the expense of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and group interactions suggest they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer observed first-hand.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a position that involved gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

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

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

“Eve accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each changed the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales progressed against a context of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to age-related causes, but which campaigners say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not admit visitors to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far better medical attention and 24/7 care than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in early March following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected information of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and machinery.

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

She advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a request to send the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual life in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks indicate a broader lack of awareness of the facts of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has been highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent solution for a number of the whales.

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

Different voices say the idea of a protected habitat represents a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

An official, head of the plan, said the site will replicate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive 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|