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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to put them down unless the federal government funds the expense of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and communal behavior point to they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess observed personally.

She spent a significant period 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 beginning, they’re very unsure 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.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each changed the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to natural mortality, but which activists say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but earlier asserted: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and around the clock supervision than any individual in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park believed particulars of the incident were leaked to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s government official denied a bid to send the whales to China.

“To approve the request would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments reveal a wider lack of awareness of the realities of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a solution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has proven most controversial. The future location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the coming months.

An official, director of the sanctuary project, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|