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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable small “sweetheart”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a shuttered park, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the intense debate over their fate often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are held stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities covers the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that beluga whales’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and communal behavior point to they are remarkably smart animals – something a former trainer discovered first-hand.

She spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a role that entailed earning the trust of the aquatic animals.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with different natures.

“Eve chose me. The other required effort,” she said. “Each transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales evolved against a background of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

During her tenure at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, the orca, passed away. In total, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park links to expected lifespan, but which advocates say points to 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 consequences of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier asserted: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and constant care than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

Burgess was fired from the facility in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an unwell beluga the caretakers had to euthanize. She said the facility suspected details of the incident were leaked to the media and she was fired not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in anguish. She says the park’s ultimatum to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any efforts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “significant manpower”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She supports demands for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official denied a bid to send the whales to China.

“Granting the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the ocean, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reveal a wider lack of awareness of the realities of living conditions for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” 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 attempt to find a resolution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of food for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has been highly debated. The future location, which includes a large area of protected cove, is not yet built. Advocates remain positive that it could eventually represent a long term resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

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

An official, head of the sanctuary project, said the site will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|