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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

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

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are kept warned to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the expense of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and communal behavior suggest they are remarkably smart creatures – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

She spent three years as a whale caretaker, a job that involved gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and quirks in their characters. She formed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both transformed the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a context of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say points to the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far better veterinary services and around the clock care than any human in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the park in early March following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park suspected details of the incident were shared to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s threat to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official turned down a request to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience permit an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reveal a broader lack of awareness of the facts of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘end operations’.”

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 released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could in time represent a long term resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a feasible approach in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, director of the initiative, said the site will mimic the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|