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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a disagreement between a defunct facility, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the people who interact with them daily.

After the Canadian government prevented the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near the famous falls where they are held warned to end their lives unless the federal government covers the expense of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has rejected that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable situation.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess observed personally.

She spent several years as a marine mammal specialist, a job that entailed gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and gratifying.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so amazed by the details and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a deep bond for a pair of whales with different natures.

“One whale chose me. The other made me earn it,” she said. “Each transformed the way I view relationships.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

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

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility ascribes to age-related causes, but which campaigners say points to the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they pick it up and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past stated: “The whales … get far better veterinary services and 24/7 care than any person in the United Kingdom, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the park in the spring following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought particulars of the death were disclosed to the press and she was released shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any plans to euthanize even a one beluga would require “considerable manpower”, trucks and heavy equipment.

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

She backs requests for the whales to be transferred right away from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In the autumn, the nation’s government official turned down a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual situation in enclosure and a reversion to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As society, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in ethical standing permit an export that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a wider misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities work to find a answer, ideas have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of Canada’s north – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has shown to be contentious. The future facility, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Proponents remain hopeful that it could in time represent a permanent answer for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s discussed with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Different voices say the possibility of a protected habitat represents a broader global shift away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable plan in the near future.

The project lead, head of the initiative, said the site will replicate the cognitive activities and diet the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive space. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|