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

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a closed attraction, local and national governments and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned debate over their destiny often overlooks the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been carefully observed by the humans who work with them regularly.

After the federal government disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are held threatened to euthanize them unless the federal government covers the upkeep of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Experts say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a role that involved gaining confidence of the aquatic animals.

“Building up those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the start, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so magical and gratifying.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their dispositions. She developed a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting temperaments.

“Eve selected me. The other required effort,” she said. “Both changed the way I understand connection.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Burgess’s interaction with the whales developed against a backdrop of growing public opposition to their confinement.

During her tenure at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, the orca, succumbed. In total, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility ascribes to natural mortality, but which campaigners say reflects the inadequate care in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being fixed. The whales are exploratory and so they grab fragments and navigate with chunks in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not reply to a questionnaire, but earlier claimed: “The whales … obtain far superior medical attention and around the clock care than any person in the UK, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in early March following the demise of Eos, an ailing beluga the park staff had to humanely kill. She said the facility thought details of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was let go soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and current and former trainers in distress. She says the facility’s ultimatum to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any efforts to euthanize even a one beluga would require “immense personnel”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

She backs requests for the whales to be removed immediately from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

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

“Allowing the proposal would have meant a ongoing situation in confinement and a reversion to display for amusement,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that belugas belong in the sea, not in pools for our entertainment. I could not in clear conscience permit an transfer that would continue the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

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

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “People just don’t comprehend that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be released into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of food for Indigenous peoples.

A suggested refuge in the province of Nova Scotia, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The planned 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 staff she’s spoken with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “only an untested concept” in the whales’ well-being.

Different voices say the idea of a sanctuary reflects a changing attitudes away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a workable approach in the near future.

An official, director of the sanctuary project, said the facility will simulate the cognitive activities and feeding regimen the whales receive from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|