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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an cute little “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a large but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle between a defunct facility, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense controversy over their fate often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government blocked the export of the belugas to China, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to put them down unless the federal government pays for the cost of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and communal behavior suggest they are remarkably smart creatures – something a former trainer learned first-hand.

Burgess spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that involved earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Developing 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. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She developed a particular love for a pair of whales with different natures.

“Eve accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “They transformed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a background of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which activists say points to the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes results of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are exploratory 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 inquiry, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and 24/7 care than any human in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in early March following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected details of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and current and former trainers in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “significant manpower”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She advocates for requests for the whales to be removed immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in good conscience approve an export that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements reveal a broader incorrect perception of the circumstances of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t comprehend that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities struggle to find a answer, proposals have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a primary resource of food for local populations.

A suggested sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be highly debated. The future location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Proponents remain positive that it could in time represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Others say the prospect of a refuge represents a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a workable approach in the short term.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|