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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a disagreement between a closed attraction, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the federal government pays for the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that required gaining confidence of the marine predators.

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

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“One whale chose me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Both altered the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and around the clock care than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected particulars of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s warning to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “significant personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She backs demands for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual existence in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience permit an relocation that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

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

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a answer, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary reflects a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

An official, head of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|