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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming little “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a disagreement between a shuttered park, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their destiny often overlooks the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who interact with them daily.

After the federal government prevented the sale of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept stated it would consider to put them down unless the authorities funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. Canada’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the thirty whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and group interactions point to they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a position that entailed earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of affection. At the outset, 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 wonderful and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nevertheless amazed by the subtleties and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for a pair of whales with contrasting natures.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each transformed the way I understand bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Her interaction with the whales developed against a background of increasing societal concern to their captivity.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s single orca, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park ascribes to age-related causes, but which activists say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the public over the summer, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the cessation. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The facility did not comment to a request for comment, but earlier claimed: “The whales … receive far better veterinary services and constant attention than any person in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the demise of a beluga, an ailing beluga the caretakers had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed particulars of the death were disclosed to the news outlets and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and staff members in anguish. She says the park’s threat to kill its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

Burgess supports calls for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In the autumn, Canada’s fisheries minister denied a bid to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the request would have meant a ongoing life in confinement and a reversion to performance for audiences,” the official commented. “As society, we know that marine mammals are meant for the wild, not in pools for our amusement. I could not in clear conscience authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reflect a wider lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a solution, proposals have surfaced, some of which have minimal feasibility. One proposal 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 local populations.

A proposed refuge in the region of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has shown to be highly debated. The planned location, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, is not yet built. Advocates remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a permanent resolution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the possibility of a refuge represents a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable solution in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, leader of the sanctuary project, said the location will replicate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|