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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to euthanize them unless the authorities pays for the cost of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and communal behavior indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer learned directly.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the details and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“One whale selected me. The other required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say points to the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior health care and around the clock care than any human in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in recent months following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the park thought information of the death were disclosed to the press and she was let go not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “significant staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official denied a request to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a continued life in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a more general incorrect perception of the realities of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a resolution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a key source of sustenance for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has been most controversial. The future facility, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the prospect of a sanctuary represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the plan, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|