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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute small “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated debate over their future often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government covers the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, intellectual tasks and social skills suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker observed directly.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a job that required building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the nuances and quirks in their characters. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Both altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales evolved against a context of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not open to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes results of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far higher quality health care and around the clock attention than any person in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park suspected particulars of the death were leaked to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be taken promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a request to export the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that belugas should be in the sea, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

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

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A planned protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has proven most controversial. The future facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could in time represent a permanent solution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the initiative, said the facility will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|