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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming little “playful character”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a struggle between a shuttered park, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the heated debate over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to put them down unless the federal government covers the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills suggest they are deeply intelligent creatures – something a former trainer observed first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a whale caretaker, a job that involved earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the details and quirks in their characters. She developed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

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

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s connection with the whales developed against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but previously claimed: “The whales … get far better medical attention and around the clock attention than any person in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in early March following the demise of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected particulars of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to put down even a individual beluga would require “considerable manpower”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

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

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in captivity and a return to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reveal a wider misunderstanding of the realities of life for belugas born in captivity.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A suggested sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has proven most controversial. The planned site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a sustainable answer 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’ fate.

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

The project lead, head of the plan, said the facility will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|