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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a sizeable but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a tussle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the embattled facility near the famous falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their survival. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious situation.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and communal behavior point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something a former trainer learned directly.

She spent several years as a whale caretaker, a job that entailed building relationships of the marine predators.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their personalities. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting personalities.

“One whale chose me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each changed the way I perceive bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a background of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say points to the poor conditions in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier asserted: “The whales … get far higher quality health care and around the clock supervision than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the death of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility thought particulars of the death were shared to the news outlets and she was fired shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister rejected a request to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the application would have meant a perpetual life in captivity and a return to public entertainment,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that belugas belong in the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the situation these belugas have endured.”

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

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As authorities attempt to find a solution, proposals have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested protected area in the province of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has proven most controversial. The prospective location, which includes 100 acres of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a refuge reflects a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a feasible approach in the short term.

The project lead, director of the plan, said the location will replicate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales receive 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|