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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a large but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been caught in a struggle between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the heated controversy over their destiny often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the federal government blocked the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling attraction near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker learned personally.

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

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication 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 vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

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

“One whale chose me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each altered the way I understand connection.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales developed against a backdrop of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her three years at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a toll which the facility links to natural mortality, but which activists say indicates the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and move about with fragments in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any individual in the Britain, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in early March following the death of a beluga, an ailing beluga the park staff had to euthanize. She said the park thought information of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in despair. She says the facility’s threat to end the lives of its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any efforts to euthanize even a individual beluga would require “considerable manpower”, vehicles and machinery.

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

Burgess backs demands for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to transfer the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the proposal would have meant a continued situation in confinement and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official commented. “As Canadians, we know that whales should be in the sea, not in tanks for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience approve an relocation that would prolong the conditions these belugas have suffered.”

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

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the foreseeable future,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a resolution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have minimal feasibility. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the open waters of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has proven most controversial. The planned site, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Proponents remain optimistic that it could in time represent a long term answer for eight of the whales.

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

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary indicates a changing attitudes away from captive facilities and could represent a workable solution in the coming months.

An official, director of the initiative, said the location will mimic the intellectual stimulation and nutrition the whales receive from trainers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|