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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute little “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and animal rights activists.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned controversy over their destiny often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the sale of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to end their lives unless the federal government funds the cost of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

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

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

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the outset, 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 wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different natures.

“Eve selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Both changed the way I perceive bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s connection with the whales developed against a context of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the visitors over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and move about with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier asserted: “The whales … obtain far higher quality medical attention and 24/7 care than any individual in the Britain, 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 caretakers had to euthanize. She said the park thought details of the death were disclosed to the press and she was fired not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any plans to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “immense personnel”, equipment and specialized tools.

“There’s no way in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be taken promptly from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In recent months, the nation’s government official turned down a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“To approve the request would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an export that would prolong the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments reflect a broader incorrect perception of the facts of life for belugas born in captivity.

“The public needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities work to find a resolution, proposals have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of sustenance for local populations.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has been most controversial. The planned site, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Supporters remain positive that it could ultimately represent a permanent answer for some of the whales.

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

Different voices say the prospect of a sanctuary reflects a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a feasible plan in the coming months.

The project lead, head of the plan, said the location will replicate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|