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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a big but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are held threatened to put them down unless the federal government funds the cost of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and communal behavior indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer learned directly.

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

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so surprised by the nuances and quirks in their characters. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to expected lifespan, but which activists say indicates the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the cessation. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … obtain far better health care and around the clock supervision than any individual in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in the spring following the demise of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park believed details of the death were shared to the news outlets and she was let go not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “significant personnel”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

She supports requests for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a bid to export the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a continued situation in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that belugas should be in the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks indicate a more general misunderstanding of the facts of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has been most controversial. The planned facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the possibility of a sanctuary indicates a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible solution in the coming months.

The project lead, head of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|