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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the Canadian government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities covers the cost of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and social skills indicate they are deeply intelligent creatures – something a former trainer observed personally.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a role that required building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the details and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

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

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

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

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … get far superior health care and constant attention than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in the spring following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed particulars of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

She advocates for calls for the whales to be taken right away from the park, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a request to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments indicate a wider incorrect perception of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually represent a long term solution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable approach in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|