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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a tussle between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated discussion over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the federal government funds the cost of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and communal behavior indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something one caretaker discovered directly.

She spent a significant period 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 care. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

Burgess 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 particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

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

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which activists say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not open to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far higher quality medical attention and 24/7 care than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in recent months following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park thought particulars of the death were leaked to the press and she was released not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She backs calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In recent months, the nation’s government official turned down a request to send the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a continued life in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that whales belong in the sea, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience authorize an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reveal a wider misunderstanding of the circumstances of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely 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’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A planned protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The prospective site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually represent a sustainable resolution for some 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’ future.

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable approach in the near future.

An official, head of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and nutrition the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|