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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense controversy over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government blocked the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed warned to put them down unless the authorities pays for the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and social skills indicate they are deeply intelligent mammals – something a former trainer learned first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a job that involved earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing natures.

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

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s connection with the whales progressed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which activists say indicates the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they take pieces and move about with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but previously asserted: “The whales … receive far superior medical attention and 24/7 supervision than any person in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the park in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an ailing beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the facility thought information of the death were disclosed to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

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

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As society, we know that belugas should be in the sea, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in good conscience approve an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements indicate a more general lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of food for local populations.

A planned sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The future facility, which includes a large area of protected cove, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could ultimately represent a long term answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable solution in the near future.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the location will mimic the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|