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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their future often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are remarkably smart creatures – something one caretaker learned directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a job that required earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

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

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a special affection for a pair of whales with opposing temperaments.

“One whale selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say points to the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not open to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock care than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in early March following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility believed information of the incident were leaked to the media and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a request to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reflect a more general misunderstanding of the facts of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a answer, proposals have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for local populations.

A planned protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain hopeful that it could in time represent a sustainable solution for some 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 trial” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible approach in the near future.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the location will mimic the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|