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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute little “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities pays for the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered personally.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a job that involved building relationships of the aquatic animals.

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

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with different natures.

“Eve selected me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I view relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, died. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say indicates the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far higher quality veterinary services and around the clock attention than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in early March following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was fired not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, trucks and specialized tools.

“There’s no way 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 failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s government official denied a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As the public, we know that marine mammals should be in the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience permit an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a wider misunderstanding of the realities of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As officials work to find a answer, proposals have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has proven contentious. The planned facility, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain hopeful that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for some 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’ well-being.

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the short term.

The project lead, leader of the initiative, said the location will mimic the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|