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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a disagreement between a closed attraction, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned controversy over their fate often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to euthanize them unless the federal government covers the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and social skills point to they are remarkably smart mammals – something one caretaker observed personally.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that entailed earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. 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 even so amazed by the details and quirks in their dispositions. She cultivated a deep bond for a pair of whales with different natures.

“Eve accepted me. The other demanded work,” she said. “They altered the way I view connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s connection with the whales developed against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far better health care and 24/7 care than any individual in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in recent months following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the facility thought information of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and machinery.

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

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

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that belugas belong in the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements indicate a broader incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven most controversial. The planned site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, is not yet built. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a sustainable solution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary indicates a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the short term.

An official, director of the initiative, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|