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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated debate over their destiny often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government blocked the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling amusement park near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government covers the expense of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and communal behavior point to they are highly cognitive animals – something one caretaker observed directly.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

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

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the subtleties and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

“Eve accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes results of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with fragments in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past claimed: “The whales … get far better veterinary services and constant supervision than any human in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected details of the death were shared to the press and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

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

In the autumn, Canada’s government official rejected a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that belugas belong in the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reveal a more general incorrect perception of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, ideas have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a key source of food for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has been most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain positive that it could in time represent a permanent answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge reflects a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

An official, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|