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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated debate over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the Canadian government blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are kept warned to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and communal behavior suggest they are highly cognitive mammals – something a former trainer discovered directly.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a position that involved building relationships of the marine predators.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so amazed by the subtleties and quirks in their dispositions. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different personalities.

“Eve chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “They altered the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales developed against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality health care and constant supervision than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in early March following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park believed particulars of the death were leaked to the press and she was fired not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

She backs demands for the whales to be removed promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a request to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a ongoing life in confinement and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that belugas should be in the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing approve an export that would continue the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a broader incorrect perception of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has been most controversial. The prospective location, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

An official, head of the plan, said the facility will mimic the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|