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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their fate often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities disallowed the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to end their lives unless the authorities funds the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something a former trainer discovered first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a job that required earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, 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 extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so surprised by the details and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She cultivated a special affection for a pair of whales with contrasting personalities.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They changed the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a background of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which activists say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and constant attention than any person in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in recent months following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected particulars of the death were disclosed to the press and she was let go not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any plans to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “significant staff”, trucks and machinery.

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

She backs demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a proposal to send the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that whales should be in the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reveal a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has proven highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for eight of the whales.

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

Different voices say the idea of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

An official, head of the plan, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|