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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle 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 spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the people who see them each day.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are kept warned to end their lives unless the authorities funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, problem solving and communal behavior point to they are remarkably smart animals – something one caretaker discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a position that involved building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She cultivated a particular love for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“One whale chose me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They changed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes results of the cessation. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier claimed: “The whales … get far superior health care and constant care than any person in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in early March following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park thought details of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was let go not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a bid to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience permit an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reveal a more general incorrect perception of the facts of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As authorities work to find a resolution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A planned refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The future facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually represent a sustainable resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary indicates a broader global shift 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 cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|