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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a shuttered park, public officials and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near the famous falls where they are housed warned to end their lives unless the federal government funds the cost of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something one caretaker observed directly.

Burgess spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She formed a special affection for two female belugas with different personalities.

“Eve chose me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Each altered the way I perceive connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales evolved against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, died. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which advocates say reflects the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not open to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but earlier stated: “The whales … get far superior veterinary services and 24/7 care than any individual in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was terminated from the park in the spring following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were leaked to the media and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to put down even a individual beluga would require “significant personnel”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In recent months, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a request to export the whales to China.

“To approve the request would have meant a continued existence in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience approve an export that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s statements indicate a wider misunderstanding of the circumstances of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has proven most controversial. The future location, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a long term solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a sanctuary reflects a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible approach in the coming months.

An official, leader of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|