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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the people who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government disallowed the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the authorities covers the cost of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are remarkably smart mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a role that involved building relationships of the aquatic animals.

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

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different natures.

“One whale chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both altered the way I view connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a inquiry, but in the past asserted: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in the spring following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected details of the death were shared to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a individual beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to send the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued situation in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that belugas should be in the ocean, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements reflect a wider lack of awareness of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has been contentious. The prospective site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the plan, said the site will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|