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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a defunct facility, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated controversy over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed warned to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something a former trainer learned first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that involved building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and quirks in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“Eve chose me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Both transformed the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and navigate with fragments in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and 24/7 care than any individual in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility believed information of the incident were leaked to the press and she was let go not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in despair. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any efforts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, vehicles and machinery.

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

She backs requests for the whales to be taken immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a request to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements reveal a more general lack of awareness of the circumstances of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received regulatory clearance, has been highly debated. The future facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the site will replicate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|