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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned controversy over their fate often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are held stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government funds the cost of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker discovered first-hand.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a role that required building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open 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 subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She cultivated a deep bond for a pair of whales with contrasting temperaments.

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

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales developed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not comment to a inquiry, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior medical attention and around the clock supervision than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in recent months following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park thought particulars of the death were disclosed to the media and she was let go not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She advocates for demands for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official rejected a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an export that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments indicate a broader misunderstanding of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A planned refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has been most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a permanent answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the possibility of a sanctuary represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable solution in the coming months.

An official, director of the plan, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and diet the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|