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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a shuttered park, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated controversy over their future often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something a former trainer discovered directly.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting 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 dispositions. She formed a special affection for two female belugas with different natures.

“One whale selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and navigate with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and 24/7 attention than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in recent months following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She advocates for requests for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

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

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience permit an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements indicate a wider lack of awareness of the realities of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a answer, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has been contentious. 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 permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the prospect of a protected habitat reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the short term.

An official, director of the initiative, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and diet the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|