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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an charming small “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a kind nature.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian entertainment facility have been entangled in a disagreement between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those closest to the whales say the intense debate over their destiny often fails to consider the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who see them each day.

After the federal government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near the famous falls where they are held warned to put them down unless the federal government funds the upkeep of their care. The nation’s marine resources official has rejected that demand, placing the thirty whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Experts say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and group interactions indicate they are deeply intelligent mammals – something one caretaker observed first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that required building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so surprised by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their characters. She formed a deep bond for Eve and Cleopatra with different personalities.

“Eve accepted me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each changed the way I view relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales developed against a context of growing public opposition to their enclosure.

During her time at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility attributes to natural mortality, but which activists say reflects the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the summer, but the former trainer says she saw with her own eyes effects of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not respond to a questionnaire, but in the past claimed: “The whales … receive far higher quality veterinary services and 24/7 care than any human in the UK, or other places.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in recent months following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the park staff had to put down. She said the park believed details of the death were leaked to the media and she was let go soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s threat to euthanize its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “extremely difficult” endeavor, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “significant personnel”, vehicles and specialized tools.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be transferred promptly from the park, with its deteriorating pools and reduced personnel.

In late September, the nation’s government official denied a request to send the whales to an overseas location.

“Allowing the application would have meant a ongoing life in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing approve an transfer that would prolong the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the minister’s remarks reflect a wider lack of awareness of the circumstances of life for belugas born in captivity.

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

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a resolution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea 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 proposed refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received government approval, has been highly debated. The future location, which includes 100 acres of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain hopeful that it could in time represent a sustainable solution for some of the whales.

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

Others say the prospect of a sanctuary represents a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the coming months.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the facility will replicate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales get from trainers, albeit in a significantly bigger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|