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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a tussle between a closed attraction, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned debate over their future often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the people who see them each day.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the government covers the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior indicate they are deeply intelligent creatures – something Kristy Burgess learned directly.

She spent three years as a whale caretaker, a role that required building relationships of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the details and quirks in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which activists say points to the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the closure. “Structural materials is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and move about with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … get far better health care and constant attention than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in early March following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the incident were shared to the press and she was released not long after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense manpower”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be taken immediately from the park, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

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

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s comments reflect a more general misunderstanding of the realities of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a answer, ideas have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The future facility, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an trial” in the whales’ future.

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable approach in the near future.

An official, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|