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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a disagreement between a shuttered park, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the Canadian government disallowed the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to end their lives unless the authorities funds the expense of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior point to they are remarkably smart creatures – something one caretaker observed directly.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so amazed by the nuances and quirks in their personalities. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing personalities.

“One whale selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed 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 confinement.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes results of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 care than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in the spring following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought information of the death were disclosed to the media and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be taken right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a continued life in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales belong in the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements indicate a more general incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a solution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of food for local populations.

A planned sanctuary in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has shown to be most controversial. The prospective site, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain hopeful that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge reflects a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a workable approach in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the initiative, said the site will mimic the cognitive activities and diet the whales get from specialists, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|