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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming little “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a struggle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been closely studied by the people who see them each day.

After the national authorities disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to euthanize them unless the federal government covers the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their sound replication, intellectual tasks and communal behavior indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something one caretaker discovered directly.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so surprised by the nuances and quirks in their dispositions. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with opposing temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both altered the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales progressed against a background of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to expected lifespan, but which advocates say indicates the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not operate to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not comment to a inquiry, but in the past stated: “The whales … get far superior health care and 24/7 attention than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in early March following the demise of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park suspected particulars of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any plans to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official turned down a request to export the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a continued existence in captivity and a return to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As the public, we know that marine mammals belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks indicate a wider misunderstanding of the realities of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, ideas have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of sustenance for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The future site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could in time represent a long term solution for eight of the whales.

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

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary represents a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the coming months.

The project lead, leader of the plan, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|