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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute little “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been carefully observed by the people who see them each day.

After the Canadian government prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed warned to euthanize them unless the authorities pays for the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something one caretaker observed directly.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a position that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and quirks in their dispositions. She cultivated a deep bond for two female belugas with different natures.

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

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales developed against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The park did not admit visitors to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and move about with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far superior health care and constant attention than any person in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in recent months following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility thought details of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to put down even a single beluga would require “significant manpower”, equipment and machinery.

“It’s impossible in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

She advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official rejected a request to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a perpetual life in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reflect a broader misunderstanding of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has proven contentious. The future facility, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the prospect of a protected habitat reflects a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible approach in the short term.

An official, leader of the initiative, said the site will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|