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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the people who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government funds the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

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

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She developed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

“One whale chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales evolved against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes results of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … get far higher quality medical attention and 24/7 attention than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected particulars of the death were disclosed to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a individual beluga would require “immense staff”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

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

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a request to send the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the wild, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience authorize an export that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks indicate a broader misunderstanding of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has proven most controversial. The prospective location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

An official, leader of the initiative, said the facility will mimic the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|