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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the people who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the federal government pays for the cost of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their sound replication, problem solving and communal behavior indicate they are deeply intelligent mammals – something Kristy Burgess observed first-hand.

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

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She developed a particular love for two female belugas with contrasting personalities.

“One whale chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I view connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a background of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and constant supervision than any human in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the death were leaked to the news outlets and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and machinery.

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

She supports calls for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a request to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reveal a broader misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a resolution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The future site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain hopeful that it could in time represent a sustainable resolution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the idea of a sanctuary represents a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a feasible approach in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, leader of the initiative, said the facility will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|