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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a tussle between a closed attraction, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to euthanize them unless the government covers the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

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

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that required building relationships of the sea creatures.

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

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She developed a special affection for two female belugas with different personalities.

“Eve selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both changed the way I view connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a background of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility links to age-related causes, but which activists say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far superior health care and constant care than any individual in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed details of the death were shared to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She supports calls for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the request would have meant a perpetual situation in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the ocean, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience permit an export that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reveal a broader incorrect perception of the realities of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, proposals have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of food for local populations.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Others say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|