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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a shuttered park, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated discussion over their fate often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the government pays for the cost of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and group interactions indicate they are deeply intelligent creatures – something a former trainer learned personally.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a position that required earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She developed a special affection for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

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

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her tenure at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say points to the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Concrete is breaking off from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far superior health care and around the clock care than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in early March following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility thought details of the death were disclosed 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 despair. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any plans to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “significant staff”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports requests for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a perpetual life in captivity and a return to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reflect a more general lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people 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. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a solution, proposals have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has been most controversial. The future site, which includes a large area of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a sustainable answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a protected habitat represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable approach in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, leader of the plan, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|