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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute little “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

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 most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed threatened to end their lives unless the federal government pays for the cost of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior indicate they are deeply intelligent creatures – something a former trainer learned directly.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She formed a special affection for two female belugas with contrasting personalities.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each transformed the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her three years at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility attributes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say points to the poor conditions 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 pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the park thought details of the incident were shared to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, vehicles and machinery.

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

She advocates for demands for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official rejected a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in captivity and a return to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience authorize an relocation that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reflect a wider misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a resolution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be contentious. The future site, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could in time represent a sustainable resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the prospect of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the coming months.

An official, director of the plan, said the location will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|