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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated debate over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the people who see them each day.

After the national authorities blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling amusement park near the famous falls where they are held threatened to euthanize them unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and group interactions indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer observed directly.

She spent three years as a whale caretaker, a role that involved gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Building up those bonds 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 open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was even so astounded by the details and unique traits in their characters. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“Eve selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each changed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales developed against a context of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility attributes to natural mortality, but which advocates say points to the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly results of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and navigate with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a inquiry, but previously stated: “The whales … get far superior health care and constant care than any individual in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in early March following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was let go not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and machinery.

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

She backs demands for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

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

“Allowing the request would have meant a continued life in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that belugas should be in the wild, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience permit an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

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

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a solution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A planned protected area in the province of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has been contentious. The planned facility, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, director of the initiative, said the location will mimic the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|