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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute little “playful character”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near the famous falls where they are held warned to put them down unless the authorities funds the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and communal behavior suggest they are deeply intelligent creatures – something a former trainer discovered directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that required gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

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

“Eve selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both changed the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales progressed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park links to natural mortality, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and swim around with fragments in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and constant attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park believed information of the death were leaked to the press and she was released soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in distress. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She supports requests for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s government official turned down a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a perpetual life in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments indicate a wider misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need constant supervision for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Others say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

An official, head of the initiative, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|