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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their fate often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who see them each day.

After the Canadian government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are held stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government funds the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something one caretaker discovered directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those bonds 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 vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for two female belugas with contrasting personalities.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a context of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … get far higher quality veterinary services and constant care than any person in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in the spring following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected details of the death were leaked to the media and she was fired soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future 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 “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual existence in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As society, we know that marine mammals should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would continue the situation these belugas have endured.”

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

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a resolution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of sustenance for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has been most controversial. The prospective location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain hopeful that it could in time represent a permanent answer 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 “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a protected habitat reflects a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the coming months.

The project lead, head of the initiative, said the facility will mimic the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|