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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the intense controversy over their destiny often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government prevented the export of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to end their lives unless the authorities covers the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions suggest they are remarkably smart creatures – something one caretaker learned personally.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the details and quirks in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for two female belugas with different natures.

“One whale selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each transformed the way I view relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say points to the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the closure. “Concrete is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with fragments in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but previously asserted: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and 24/7 care than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the facility thought information of the death were leaked to the news outlets and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “significant manpower”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be transferred promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official denied a bid to export the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a ongoing life in confinement and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales belong in the sea, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a more general incorrect perception of the circumstances of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities work to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The future site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|