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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “sweetheart”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a struggle between a shuttered park, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated discussion over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the people who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near the famous falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the government funds the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered personally.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a job that entailed earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. 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 nonetheless amazed by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with different personalities.

“Eve chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each changed the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a background of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her tenure at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the park links to age-related causes, but which activists say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not operate to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she observed directly effects of the closure. “Structural materials 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 jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier asserted: “The whales … get far higher quality health care and around the clock supervision than any individual in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in recent months following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were leaked to the press and she was let go not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She supports demands for the whales to be transferred right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual life in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience permit an export that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reveal a wider misunderstanding of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a solution, suggestions have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of sustenance for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received government approval, has proven contentious. The future site, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain positive that it could eventually represent a sustainable resolution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among trainers she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary represents a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable approach in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the plan, said the location will replicate the cognitive activities and diet the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|