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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – called “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “loving presence” with a kind nature.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a disagreement between a defunct facility, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense controversy over their fate often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in captivity, have been closely studied by the people who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the embattled amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to put them down unless the federal government funds the cost of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the thirty whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Scientists say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and communal behavior indicate they are remarkably smart animals – something Kristy Burgess observed directly.

She spent three years as a beluga trainer, a role that entailed building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Developing those relationships over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the start, 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 nonetheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a special affection for a pair of whales with contrasting personalities.

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

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales evolved against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her three years at the park, multiple belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the facility links to age-related causes, but which advocates say points to the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The facility did not operate to the guests over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re falling apart and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a request for comment, but in the past claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior veterinary services and constant attention than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the park in early March following the passing of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were leaked to the press and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any attempts to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and machinery.

“There’s no way in hell the staff would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess supports demands for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its failing enclosures and shrinking team.

In late September, the nation’s fisheries minister turned down a proposal to send the whales to China.

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing life in captivity and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As Canadians, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing authorize an transfer that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reflect a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of existence for belugas born in captivity.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need human care for the foreseeable future,” she said. “People just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers work to find a answer, proposals have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for local populations.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The planned location, which includes extensive space of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Proponents remain positive that it could ultimately represent a sustainable resolution for some of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge reflects a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

The project lead, director of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales receive 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|