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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming little “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a disagreement between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned debate over their fate often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who see them each day.

After the Canadian government disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government covers the cost of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable 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 highly cognitive animals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

Burgess spent three years as a whale caretaker, a role that required building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the start, 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 extraordinary and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the details and quirks in their personalities. She developed a particular love for a pair of whales with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each altered the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales evolved against a background of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park links to age-related causes, but which campaigners say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and around the clock supervision than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in the spring following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park suspected details of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to put down even a single beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess supports requests for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements indicate a wider misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities work to find a answer, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has shown to be most controversial. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain optimistic that it could in time represent a long term resolution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible approach in the near future.

An official, leader of the plan, said the site will mimic the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|