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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a shuttered park, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their future often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the government funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something one caretaker learned personally.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that required gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a special affection for a pair of whales with contrasting natures.

“One whale selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “They altered the way I view connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, died. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility attributes to expected lifespan, but which activists say reflects 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 witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 care than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in the spring following the demise of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the park believed details of the death were leaked to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The ambiguity over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any plans to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “significant personnel”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess supports requests for the whales to be removed promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

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

“To approve the application would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals should be in the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a broader lack of awareness of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, proposals have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a key source of sustenance for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has been most controversial. The planned location, which includes 100 acres of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a long term answer for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the possibility of a refuge indicates a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable approach in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, head of the initiative, said the site will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|