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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense debate over their future often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to end their lives unless the government pays for the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior indicate they are deeply intelligent creatures – something a former trainer discovered personally.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a job that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Developing 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 mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with opposing natures.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They altered the way I view relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior health care and 24/7 attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the facility believed particulars of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “significant 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 removed immediately from the park, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official turned down a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a continued life in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would prolong the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements reveal a wider lack of awareness of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a resolution, proposals have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A suggested protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has shown to be most controversial. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

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

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible approach in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the sanctuary project, said the site will mimic the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|