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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming little “playful character”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their future often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who see them each day.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the government covers the expense of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and group interactions suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something a former trainer learned directly.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very cautious 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 exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their characters. She developed a special affection for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

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

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales progressed against a background of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to natural mortality, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier asserted: “The whales … get far higher quality medical attention and constant care than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park suspected particulars of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She supports calls for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that belugas should be in the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments reveal a more general incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials struggle to find a resolution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has proven contentious. The future location, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a protected habitat represents a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the near future.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the location will mimic the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|