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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a shuttered park, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government blocked the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the federal government funds the cost of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions suggest they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a job that required earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She cultivated a deep bond for a pair of whales with contrasting natures.

“Eve accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both changed the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a background of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and move about with pieces in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not comment to a inquiry, but in the past claimed: “The whales … get far better veterinary services and 24/7 care than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in the spring following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the park believed particulars of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and staff members in anguish. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, trucks and specialized tools.

“It cannot happen in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

She supports calls for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a proposal to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales belong in the wild, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an transfer that would continue the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reveal a broader lack of awareness of the circumstances of life 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 human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The future site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a permanent solution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the idea of a refuge indicates a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a viable solution in the short term.

An official, head of the initiative, said the location will mimic the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|