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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a big but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the federal government funds the expense of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and communal behavior point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a role that involved earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They changed the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and constant supervision than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in early March following the demise of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought details of the incident were shared to the press and she was released soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in distress. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any efforts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “significant staff”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

She supports requests for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s government official turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing existence in confinement and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience authorize an export that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks indicate a broader incorrect perception of the circumstances of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in captivity 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 ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has proven highly debated. The planned facility, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Supporters remain positive that it could eventually represent a permanent resolution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ future.

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a workable approach in the coming months.

An official, director of the plan, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from specialists, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|