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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who see them each day.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the federal government covers the cost of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something a former trainer learned directly.

Burgess spent several years as a whale caretaker, a role that entailed building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so surprised by the subtleties and unique traits in their characters. She formed a deep bond for two female belugas with contrasting natures.

“Eve chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales evolved against a context of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say points to the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not open to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far higher quality medical attention and constant supervision than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the passing of Eos, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility suspected information of the death were disclosed to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, vehicles and machinery.

“It’s impossible in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister denied a request to transfer the whales to China.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the sea, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing approve an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reflect a broader misunderstanding of the facts of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, proposals have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of food for Inuit communities.

A planned sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received regulatory clearance, has proven contentious. The prospective site, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a long term solution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the idea of a refuge indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable plan in the coming months.

An official, head of the initiative, said the location will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|