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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a disagreement between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated controversy over their future often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to end their lives unless the authorities pays for the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess learned personally.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a job that entailed earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections 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 shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their characters. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with opposing natures.

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

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales evolved against a context of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park links to age-related causes, but which activists say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far superior medical attention and constant supervision than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in recent months following the demise of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought details of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

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

“To approve the request would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in good conscience authorize an export that would prolong the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s comments reflect a broader incorrect perception of the facts of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of food for Inuit communities.

A suggested refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the possibility of a protected habitat indicates a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a workable solution in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the plan, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and nutrition the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|