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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming small “playful character”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a disagreement between a defunct facility, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are held threatened to put them down unless the government funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and social skills point to they are highly cognitive mammals – something a former trainer learned personally.

Burgess spent three years as a whale caretaker, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those connections 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 reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She developed a deep bond for two female belugas with opposing personalities.

“One whale selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I view relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales evolved against a context of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … get far higher quality health care and 24/7 supervision than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed particulars of the death were disclosed to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

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

“Granting the request would have meant a continued situation in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reveal a more general lack of awareness of the realities of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a resolution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A planned protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has proven highly debated. The prospective site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a long term solution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the possibility of a protected habitat represents a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable plan in the near future.

An official, head of the initiative, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|