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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their future often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities pays for the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and social skills point to they are highly cognitive creatures – something a former trainer observed personally.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed building relationships of the marine predators.

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

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a special affection for a pair of whales with different natures.

“Eve chose me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Each changed the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales developed against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her tenure at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which activists say points to the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes results of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier asserted: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the facility suspected details of the incident were shared to the media and she was fired not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any attempts to put down even a individual beluga would require “immense manpower”, equipment and machinery.

“It cannot happen in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

She backs demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a request to send the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued life in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that marine mammals should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a broader incorrect perception of the realities of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A planned sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has been most controversial. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a sustainable resolution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, director of the plan, said the location will mimic the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|