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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle between a closed attraction, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated controversy over their future often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to end their lives unless the government covers the upkeep of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has rejected that request, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess discovered directly.

She spent several years as a beluga trainer, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the marine predators.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so extraordinary and fulfilling.”

Burgess 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 contrasting personalities.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They changed the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales progressed against a context of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the park, seven belugas and the park’s single killer whale, Kiska, died. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say reflects the poor conditions in which they were kept.

The facility did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the closure. “Structural materials is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … get far higher quality health care and around the clock attention than any human in the United Kingdom, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the facility in recent months following the passing of a beluga, an unwell beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park suspected particulars of the death were shared to the news outlets and she was released shortly thereafter.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left her and staff members in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “extremely difficult” task, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable staff”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

She supports calls for the whales to be taken immediately from the park, with its failing enclosures and dwindling staff.

In recent months, Canada’s fisheries minister rejected a bid to export the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the minister commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales belong in the wild, not in enclosures for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing approve an relocation that would continue the conditions these belugas have endured.”

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

“The society needs to realize these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need constant supervision for the foreseeable future,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As authorities struggle to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for Inuit communities.

A suggested sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which has received government approval, has been contentious. The future location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the possibility of a protected habitat represents a worldwide trend away from captive facilities and could represent a viable approach in the near future.

Charles Vinick, head of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger space. He said after the health of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|