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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense controversy over their future often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government blocked the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed threatened to put them down unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer learned first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a job that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with different natures.

“One whale chose me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Each altered the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales progressed against a context of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her tenure at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say indicates the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … receive far superior medical attention and 24/7 supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in recent months following the passing of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility believed information of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was released not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in distress. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “significant staff”, vehicles and machinery.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing existence in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reveal a broader lack of awareness of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a answer, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which has received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The future location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the idea of a sanctuary represents a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the facility will replicate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|