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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a closed attraction, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities blocked the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are housed stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities covers the cost of keeping them alive. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and communal behavior suggest they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker observed directly.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a job that involved gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She formed a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

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

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a context of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say indicates the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re degrading and not being repaired. 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 request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … get far higher quality health care and around the clock attention than any person in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the park in the spring following the death of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to put down. She said the park thought details of the death were leaked to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s warning to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any attempts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs requests for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing situation in enclosure and a return to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an transfer that would continue the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a wider lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has shown to be contentious. The prospective facility, which includes extensive space of protected cove, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain positive that it could in time represent a long term answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Others say the possibility of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

The project lead, head of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a much larger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|