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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the people who see them each day.

After the federal government disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are kept warned to put them down unless the federal government covers the cost of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something a former trainer learned directly.

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

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so surprised by the subtleties and unique traits in their characters. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with opposing natures.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each altered the way I view connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales developed against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes results of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a request for comment, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far better medical attention and around the clock supervision than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in recent months following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were shared to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “considerable manpower”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s government official rejected a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments reveal a broader incorrect perception of the realities of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As authorities work to find a answer, ideas have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has shown to be contentious. The prospective location, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually represent a sustainable answer for some of the whales.

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

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

Charles Vinick, director of the plan, said the facility will mimic the mental engagement and diet the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|