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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated debate over their fate often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities funds the upkeep of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer learned first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that involved earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up 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. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales evolved against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since 2019, a number which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but earlier asserted: “The whales … receive far better medical attention and constant attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the park believed particulars of the death were leaked to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She backs requests for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a request to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a return to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that whales should be in the sea, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements reflect a wider lack of awareness of the realities of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A planned refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a permanent answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

Charles Vinick, head of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales obtain 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|