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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities disallowed the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the federal government covers the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills indicate they are deeply intelligent mammals – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

Burgess spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that entailed building relationships of the marine predators.

“Establishing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so surprised by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting personalities.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I view relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her three years at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … get far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock care than any individual in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected information of the death were leaked to the press and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s warning to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “significant manpower”, vehicles and machinery.

“It cannot happen in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a ongoing life in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an export that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a broader misunderstanding of the realities of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a answer, suggestions have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a key source of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the site will mimic the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|