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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the heated 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 prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to end their lives unless the authorities pays for the expense of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and group interactions point to they are highly cognitive mammals – something a former trainer discovered first-hand.

She spent three years as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing 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. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a deep bond for two female belugas with different temperaments.

“One whale chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They altered the way I perceive bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales progressed against a background of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the park attributes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say indicates the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not open to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far better health care and constant care than any human in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in the spring following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected particulars of the incident were shared to the media and she was released soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

“It cannot happen in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

She supports demands for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s government official denied a request to send the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that belugas belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a broader lack of awareness of the facts of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has shown to be most controversial. The prospective location, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually 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 “only an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|