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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the intense debate over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a role that required building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so amazed by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with contrasting natures.

“One whale selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I perceive bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a context of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which advocates say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes effects of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far superior veterinary services and around the clock attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in early March following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park suspected particulars of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She backs requests for the whales to be taken right away from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a request to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the minister 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 export that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reveal a wider incorrect perception of the circumstances of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a answer, proposals have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The future location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Supporters remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term resolution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the idea of a refuge reflects a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

The project lead, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|