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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the intense controversy over their destiny often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are held stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the expense of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and social skills indicate they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker observed personally.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that involved earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with different personalities.

“Eve selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales evolved against a context of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and constant supervision than any human in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the park in the spring following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected information of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

“It’s impossible in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s government official rejected a proposal to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a ongoing situation in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister wrote. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reflect a wider incorrect perception of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a answer, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a key source of sustenance for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be highly debated. The future site, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a permanent answer for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the possibility of a sanctuary indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

An official, leader of the initiative, said the site will replicate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|