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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated discussion over their future often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are held warned to end their lives unless the federal government covers the expense of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and group interactions point to they are remarkably smart creatures – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a role that required earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the details and quirks in their dispositions. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting personalities.

“One whale selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each altered the way I view relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and move about with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past asserted: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and 24/7 care than any human in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility thought information of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any efforts to put down even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and machinery.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued life in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that belugas should be in the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience permit an transfer that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements indicate a broader incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a resolution, ideas have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The planned location, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

An official, head of the initiative, said the facility will replicate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|