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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been closely studied by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are held warned to euthanize them unless the authorities pays for the expense of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and social skills point to they are remarkably smart mammals – something a former trainer discovered personally.

Burgess spent a significant period as a beluga trainer, a job that required building relationships of the marine predators.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She developed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“One whale selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, succumbed. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say reflects the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but in the past stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality medical attention and constant attention than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the park in the spring following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the park suspected information of the incident were leaked to the media and she was released not long after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant manpower”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She advocates for requests for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the request would have meant a continued situation in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an relocation that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments indicate a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a answer, suggestions have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which has received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The planned location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a sanctuary reflects a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the short term.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the location will replicate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the health of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|