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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the heated debate over their fate often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities prevented the export of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are held warned to put them down unless the authorities pays for the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior point to they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer observed directly.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that involved earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and quirks in their personalities. She developed a special affection for a pair of whales with different natures.

“One whale chose me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Both transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales progressed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since 2019, a toll which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which advocates say points to the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the shutdown. “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 move about with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … get far better medical attention and around the clock care than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in the spring following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed particulars of the death were shared to the news outlets and she was released not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s threat to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant manpower”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In recent months, the nation’s government official denied a proposal to send the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the wild, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience permit an transfer that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks reflect a more general incorrect perception of the realities of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials work to find a answer, suggestions have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which has received official endorsement, has shown to be most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain optimistic that it could in time represent a permanent solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the idea of a sanctuary indicates a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a feasible solution in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the location will replicate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|