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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their future often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are held warned to put them down unless the authorities funds the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior point to they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer observed first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the details and quirks in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with different temperaments.

“One whale selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each changed the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a context of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her tenure at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility links to age-related causes, but which advocates say indicates the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not reply to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock supervision than any human in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park suspected details of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be taken immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a request to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a continued existence in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an relocation that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements indicate a broader misunderstanding of the facts of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a resolution, ideas have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has been contentious. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, is not yet built. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term answer for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the idea of a refuge represents a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a workable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, leader of the initiative, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|