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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the intense discussion over their fate often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the humans who see them each day.

After the Canadian government blocked the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed threatened to euthanize them unless the authorities covers the cost of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and group interactions suggest they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer observed directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a job that required gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the subtleties and quirks in their personalities. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting natures.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the park attributes to natural mortality, but which activists say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far better medical attention and constant supervision than any human in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the death were leaked to the news outlets and she was let go not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any efforts to put down even a single beluga would require “immense personnel”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s government official rejected a proposal to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a continued life in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience permit an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements reveal a more general misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a solution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a key source of sustenance for local populations.

A planned protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has been highly debated. The planned site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a sustainable solution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a protected habitat represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

The project lead, head of the plan, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|