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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a shuttered park, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been closely studied by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are held warned to end their lives unless the government pays for the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent animals – something one caretaker observed first-hand.

She spent three years as a whale caretaker, a role that entailed gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

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

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was even so amazed by the details and quirks in their dispositions. She formed a particular love for a pair of whales with contrasting personalities.

“One whale selected me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each changed the way I perceive bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her tenure at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the park attributes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say indicates the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The park did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … get far superior medical attention and around the clock attention than any individual in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in early March following the demise of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the park suspected particulars of the death were shared to the media and she was let go not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left her and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “significant staff”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official denied a request to export the whales to China.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a perpetual situation in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As the public, we know that belugas are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience permit an export that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a broader incorrect perception of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a solution, ideas have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of nourishment for Indigenous peoples.

A proposed protected area in the region of eastern Canada, which now received official endorsement, has been most controversial. The future facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain optimistic that it could in time represent a long term solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the prospect of a sanctuary indicates a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable solution in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, director of the plan, said the site will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a much larger space. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|