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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a disagreement between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the intense discussion over their fate often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the Canadian government blocked the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to put them down unless the government funds the expense of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior point to they are highly cognitive mammals – something one caretaker discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so amazed by the subtleties and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales developed against a background of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her tenure at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far superior health care and around the clock care than any person in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in recent months following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park suspected details of the incident were leaked to the press and she was fired soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any efforts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and machinery.

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

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

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that marine mammals should be in the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments indicate a wider incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a solution, proposals have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A planned refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has proven most controversial. The future location, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a long term solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

The project lead, head of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|