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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated controversy over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government covers the expense of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions point to they are remarkably smart creatures – something one caretaker discovered personally.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a job that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and quirks in their dispositions. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing personalities.

“Eve selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales developed against a background of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her three years at the park, multiple 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 ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say points to the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior health care and 24/7 attention than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in early March following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park suspected details of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was fired not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to put down even a single beluga would require “significant staff”, trucks and specialized tools.

“It’s impossible in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess supports requests for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the request would have meant a ongoing life in captivity and a return to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As society, we know that belugas belong in the wild, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments indicate a more general incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials struggle to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|