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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an adorable little “playful character”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a sizeable but fiercely protective friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a gentle spirit.

A group of thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a struggle between a closed attraction, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their fate often overlooks the individual traits of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to a foreign facility, the embattled attraction near Niagara Falls where they are kept warned to end their lives unless the authorities covers the cost of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that beluga whales’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior indicate they are highly cognitive creatures – something a former trainer learned directly.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a role that involved earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those relationships over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of care. At the start, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “In time, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the details and unique traits in their personalities. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve accepted me. The other required effort,” she said. “They altered the way I perceive relationships.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her connection with the whales developed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their enclosure.

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

The facility did not admit visitors to the guests over the summer, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand results of the cessation. “Structural materials is breaking off from the pools because they’re degrading and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and move about with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior veterinary services and 24/7 care than any human in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was terminated from the park in early March following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to humanely kill. She said the facility believed information of the death were leaked to the press and she was let go shortly thereafter.

The uncertainty over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the park’s warning to kill its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” task, adding any plans to put down even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, equipment and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for calls for the whales to be removed immediately from the park, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

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

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a perpetual existence in confinement and a return to public entertainment,” the official stated. “As the public, we know that whales are meant for the sea, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in good conscience authorize an transfer that would prolong the situation these belugas have experienced.”

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

“The public needs to grasp these are whales that have existed solely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, proposals have surfaced, some of which have little basis in reality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be freed into the wilds of Canada’s north – where whales are a key source of sustenance for Inuit communities.

A planned protected area in the region of Nova Scotia, which now received official endorsement, has been highly debated. The future location, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Advocates remain positive that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for eight of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “merely an trial” in the whales’ well-being.

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

The project lead, head of the plan, said the location will simulate the mental engagement and nutrition the whales obtain from trainers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|