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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “playful character”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a shuttered park, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to euthanize them unless the federal government covers the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills indicate they are deeply intelligent creatures – something a former trainer learned directly.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a position that entailed earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales progressed against a context of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say indicates the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality medical attention and around the clock attention than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected details of the death were shared to the press and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

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

“Granting the proposal would have meant a continued situation in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As society, we know that marine mammals should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks indicate a wider incorrect perception of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a sustainable resolution for some of the whales.

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

Different voices say the prospect of a sanctuary represents a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible approach in the near future.

The project lead, head of the initiative, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|