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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a closed attraction, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated controversy over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government covers the cost of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, problem solving and social skills point to they are remarkably smart mammals – something a former trainer observed personally.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, 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 astounded by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She formed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing personalities.

“One whale accepted me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each altered the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s relationship with the whales progressed against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the park attributes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not open to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the closure. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not reply to a request for comment, but in the past asserted: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and 24/7 care than any person in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in the spring following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park thought particulars of the death were shared to the media and she was released shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense staff”, trucks and specialized tools.

“It cannot happen in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As society, we know that belugas belong in the ocean, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an transfer that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments reveal a more general misunderstanding of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a key source of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could in time represent a long term resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Others say the possibility of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible approach in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the initiative, said the site will simulate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|