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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the humans who see them each day.

After the federal government blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed threatened to euthanize them unless the government funds the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are remarkably smart animals – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a job that involved building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different natures.

“Eve chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park links to expected lifespan, but which activists say indicates the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … get far better health care and constant care than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in the spring following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the death were shared to the media and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any efforts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense staff”, trucks and machinery.

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

She advocates for requests for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

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

“To approve the request would have meant a ongoing life in captivity and a return to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As society, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience permit an export that would prolong the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks indicate a wider misunderstanding of the circumstances of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a resolution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of food for local populations.

A planned sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The prospective facility, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Supporters remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a sustainable resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the prospect of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a workable approach in the near future.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the facility will replicate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|