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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated discussion over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the Canadian government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are held warned to end their lives unless the government pays for the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior suggest they are remarkably smart mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned personally.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed building relationships of the marine predators.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the subtleties and quirks in their dispositions. She developed a special affection for a pair of whales with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Each changed the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales developed against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility links to natural mortality, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not open to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and constant care than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in early March following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park thought details of the death were leaked to the media and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any plans to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

She advocates for calls for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a request to send the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience approve an transfer that would prolong the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

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 people needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Some experts say the prospect of a protected habitat reflects a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the short term.

The project lead, leader of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and diet 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|