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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute little “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the federal government funds the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills point to they are highly cognitive creatures – something one caretaker discovered personally.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a job that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so amazed by the details and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a special affection for two female belugas with different temperaments.

“Eve chose me. The other demanded work,” she said. “Each transformed the way I view bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales progressed against a context of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a inquiry, but in the past asserted: “The whales … receive far superior medical attention and 24/7 care than any individual in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in recent months following the death of a beluga, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected details of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was released not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a bid to export the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As the public, we know that marine mammals are meant for the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would continue the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements indicate a broader lack of awareness of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received government approval, has shown to be most controversial. The future site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible approach in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|