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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense debate over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed warned to euthanize them unless the government pays for the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills point to they are highly cognitive mammals – something a former trainer learned directly.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed building relationships of the marine predators.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a particular love for a pair of whales with different personalities.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her three years at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility links to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not comment to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … get far superior veterinary services and around the clock supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in the spring following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park believed details of the incident were leaked to the media and she was released soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any efforts to put down even a single beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a perpetual existence in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the sea, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks indicate a wider misunderstanding of the realities of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a solution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of sustenance for local populations.

A proposed protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be contentious. The future location, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

Charles Vinick, director of the initiative, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and diet the whales get from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|