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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

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

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities funds the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something a former trainer observed personally.

She spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Building up those relationships 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 reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so amazed by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She developed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each transformed the way I perceive bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

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

During her tenure at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to natural mortality, but which advocates say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far superior medical attention and constant supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park suspected particulars of the death were leaked to the media and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any plans to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “considerable manpower”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a bid to export the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in good conscience approve an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reveal a more general incorrect perception of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a answer, ideas have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A planned sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has shown to be contentious. The planned location, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

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

Some experts say the idea of a refuge represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|