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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming little “ham sandwich”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Zephyr has “endless energy” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based entertainment facility have become pawns in a struggle between a defunct facility, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated debate over their future often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities disallowed the sale of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are kept threatened to put them down unless the authorities covers the expense of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has rejected that request, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker learned personally.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She formed a deep bond for a pair of whales with different natures.

“One whale selected me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Each changed the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales developed against a background of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, succumbed. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park links to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The facility did not reply to a inquiry, but previously asserted: “The whales … receive far superior health care and 24/7 attention than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in the spring following the passing of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park thought information of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any plans to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “immense staff”, equipment and machinery.

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

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

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a request to export the whales to China.

“To approve the application would have meant a ongoing life in enclosure and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that marine mammals are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience authorize an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But Burgess said the minister’s remarks reflect a more general lack of awareness of the facts of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need human care for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a solution, proposals have surfaced, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be released into the wilds of the Arctic – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The planned facility, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Supporters remain hopeful that it could eventually represent a sustainable answer for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable plan in the near future.

The project lead, head of the initiative, said the location will replicate the mental engagement and diet the whales get from trainers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|