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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming small “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle 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 fate often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to end their lives unless the government covers the upkeep of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are remarkably smart mammals – something one caretaker observed directly.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a role that required earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so surprised by the subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with contrasting personalities.

“Eve accepted me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Each altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and navigate with fragments in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … get far superior veterinary services and constant care than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in recent months following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the facility believed details of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate 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 “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense staff”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s government official denied a bid to export the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued situation in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that whales should be in the sea, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reflect a broader lack of awareness of the realities of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need constant supervision for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials work 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 natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The planned facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain hopeful that it could in time represent a long term solution for a number of the whales.

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

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, leader of the initiative, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|