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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the Canadian government blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government funds the expense of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and group interactions point to they are remarkably smart mammals – something a former trainer observed personally.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a position that entailed building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

“Eve chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They altered the way I understand relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with fragments in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and around the clock attention than any individual 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 Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park thought particulars of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was fired not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to put down even a single beluga would require “considerable manpower”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the wild, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reflect a wider incorrect perception of the facts of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a resolution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be most controversial. The future site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a sustainable answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge indicates a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible solution in the short term.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|