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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the authorities pays for the cost of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions suggest they are remarkably smart creatures – something one caretaker learned first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that required building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She cultivated a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

“Eve selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each altered the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the cessation. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … get far superior veterinary services and constant supervision than any human in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the demise of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park thought information of the incident were shared to the press and she was let go not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and machinery.

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

She advocates for requests for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s government official rejected a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals should be in the ocean, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reveal a more general lack of awareness of the circumstances of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a answer, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A planned refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The future facility, which includes a large area of protected cove, is not yet built. Advocates remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the idea of a refuge represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and diet the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|