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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been closely studied by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are kept warned to end their lives unless the federal government pays for the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills point to they are highly cognitive animals – something Kristy Burgess observed first-hand.

She spent three years as a whale caretaker, a job that involved gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the nuances and quirks in their personalities. She developed a special affection for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

“Eve selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both changed the way I view relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales developed against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her tenure at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with fragments 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 health care and constant supervision than any human in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in early March following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected particulars of the death were leaked to the media and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s government official rejected a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would prolong the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reveal a broader misunderstanding of the realities of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials struggle to find a resolution, proposals have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of food for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has proven highly debated. The planned site, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain hopeful that it could in time represent a permanent answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge represents a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, head of the sanctuary project, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|