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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute little “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a closed attraction, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated discussion over their fate often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to end their lives unless the federal government covers the expense of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

Burgess spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that entailed earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so surprised by the details and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She cultivated a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting temperaments.

“One whale selected me. The other demanded work,” she said. “They altered the way I view connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales evolved against a background of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously asserted: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock supervision than any individual in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in recent months following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park thought details of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She supports requests for the whales to be taken immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

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

“To approve the request would have meant a continued life in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that marine mammals should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reflect a broader misunderstanding of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a resolution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has been most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent solution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a sanctuary indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible approach in the short term.

Charles Vinick, leader of the initiative, said the facility will mimic the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|