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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their fate often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are held threatened to put them down unless the authorities funds the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior point to they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess observed personally.

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

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“One whale chose me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Both transformed the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales progressed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In all, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park links to expected lifespan, but which activists say reflects the substandard environment in which they were housed.

The park did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any human in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in recent months following the death of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought particulars of the death were shared to the media and she was released soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any efforts to put down even a individual beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She backs demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official turned down a bid to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a perpetual existence in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals should be in the sea, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in ethical standing permit an transfer that would continue the conditions these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s statements indicate a wider misunderstanding of the facts of living conditions for belugas born in captivity.

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

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A proposed refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has shown to be highly debated. The future facility, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the possibility of a sanctuary reflects a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

An official, leader of the plan, said the site will mimic the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|