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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated debate over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances 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 Canadian government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the authorities funds the expense of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior suggest they are highly cognitive animals – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that required building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each transformed the way I view connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales developed against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park attributes to expected lifespan, but which activists say points to the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off 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 distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far better medical attention and around the clock care than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in the spring following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were shared to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and staff members in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports requests for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In recent months, the nation’s government official rejected a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that marine mammals are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience authorize an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a broader misunderstanding of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a resolution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has been most controversial. The future site, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge indicates a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

An official, head of the initiative, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|