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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but very loyal friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a kind nature.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based entertainment facility have been caught in a struggle between a shuttered park, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their future often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in captivity, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the Canadian government disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to end their lives unless the government covers the cost of their care. Canada’s marine resources official has denied that demand, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Sea Creatures

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neural makeup, along with their mimicry abilities, intellectual tasks and group interactions indicate they are highly cognitive mammals – something Kristy Burgess discovered personally.

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

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Over time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nonetheless surprised by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for two female belugas with opposing temperaments.

“One whale chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “Each altered the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s connection with the whales developed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her time at the attraction, multiple belugas and the park’s single killer whale, the orca, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility links to age-related causes, but which advocates say indicates the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not open to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand results of the cessation. “Concrete is falling apart from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are exploratory and so they pick it up and navigate with fragments in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far higher quality veterinary services and constant supervision than any person in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Uncertain Future and Potential Resolutions

Burgess was dismissed from the park in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park thought information of the incident were leaked to the media and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ outcome has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the facility’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any attempts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “significant staff”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its deteriorating pools and shrinking team.

In late September, the nation’s government official turned down a bid to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a ongoing existence in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience permit an relocation that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But the former trainer said the official’s comments reflect a wider incorrect perception of the circumstances of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The public needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in confinement and they will need constant supervision for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘end operations’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As officials struggle to find a resolution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of food for local populations.

A suggested refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received regulatory clearance, has shown to be most controversial. The prospective location, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, remains undeveloped. Advocates remain optimistic that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for eight of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among trainers she’s consulted, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a changing attitudes away from animal displays and could represent a feasible solution in the coming months.

The project lead, director of the initiative, said the facility will replicate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales receive from specialists, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|