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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a shuttered park, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated discussion over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are held threatened to end their lives unless the authorities covers the expense of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and group interactions suggest they are highly cognitive mammals – something one caretaker learned directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that required building relationships of the marine predators.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for two female belugas with contrasting natures.

“One whale selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I view connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her tenure at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any human in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in early March following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park thought details of the death were disclosed to the press and she was released not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, equipment and machinery.

“There’s no way in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

She advocates for calls for the whales to be taken immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official denied a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that marine mammals should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an transfer that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

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

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a answer, ideas have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has been contentious. The planned location, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a sustainable solution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Others say the prospect of a protected habitat represents a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

The project lead, head of the initiative, said the facility will simulate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|