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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated debate over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the government pays for the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker observed personally.

She spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that involved building relationships of the marine predators.

“Building up those relationships 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 trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

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

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park links to age-related causes, but which campaigners say indicates the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality health care and around the clock supervision than any human in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in the spring following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park thought details of the death were shared to the media and she was let go not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and machinery.

“There’s no way in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess supports requests for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In recent months, Canada’s government official turned down a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the request would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that whales belong in the wild, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a more general incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for local populations.

A planned protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has been highly debated. The future facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

An official, head of the initiative, said the facility will mimic the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|