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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a tussle between a closed attraction, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated debate over their destiny often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the authorities pays for the cost of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker discovered first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

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

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She developed a special affection for two female belugas with different temperaments.

“Eve chose me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is breaking off from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but previously asserted: “The whales … receive far higher quality medical attention and around the clock supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the facility in early March following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park believed information of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be removed immediately from the park, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an export that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements indicate a wider lack of awareness of the realities of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of food for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a permanent answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the idea of a protected habitat represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable solution in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, head of the sanctuary project, said the site will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|