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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming small “playful character”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned debate over their fate often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the people who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed threatened to end their lives unless the federal government covers the upkeep of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills point to they are highly cognitive animals – something Kristy Burgess observed personally.

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

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nonetheless amazed by the nuances and quirks in their dispositions. She developed a special affection for two female belugas with contrasting personalities.

“Eve selected me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s relationship with the whales progressed against a background of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the park ascribes to expected lifespan, but which campaigners say points to the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart 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 pieces in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not comment to a request for comment, but previously stated: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and constant supervision than any person in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in recent months following the death of Eos, an ailing beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility believed details of the death were disclosed to the media and she was let go soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any plans to euthanize even a single beluga would require “immense manpower”, equipment and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In recent months, Canada’s government official rejected a proposal to export the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reveal a broader lack of awareness of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As officials attempt to find a solution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for local populations.

A planned sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received regulatory clearance, has proven highly debated. The future site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a long term solution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

An official, director of the plan, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|