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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie Botts is an charming small “playful character”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but fiercely protective companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a struggle between a shuttered park, public officials and animal rights activists.

But those closest to the whales say the heated discussion over their fate often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after growing up in enclosed habitats, have been closely studied by the people who see them each day.

After the national authorities disallowed the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial attraction near Niagara Falls where they are housed warned to euthanize them unless the government covers the upkeep of their survival. Canada’s marine resources official has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, intellectual tasks and social skills indicate they are highly cognitive animals – something a former trainer learned personally.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Developing those bonds over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the beginning, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their dispositions. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with opposing natures.

“One whale chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They transformed the way I perceive connection.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Her interaction with the whales developed against a backdrop of rising activist criticism to their confinement.

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, died. In total, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a statistic which the facility links to age-related causes, but which campaigners say points to the inadequate care in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she observed directly results of the shutdown. “Concrete is deteriorating from the pools because they’re degrading and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with pieces in their mouth. It’s distressing to see.”

The park did not reply to a questionnaire, but in the past claimed: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and constant care than any person in the United Kingdom, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in recent months following the death of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility thought particulars of the incident were disclosed to the press and she was released not long after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left Burgess and other caretakers in anguish. She says the park’s warning to euthanize its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “logistically impossible” undertaking, adding any plans to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “significant staff”, trucks and specialized tools.

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

She supports demands for the whales to be transferred promptly from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

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

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual situation in enclosure and a reversion to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that marine mammals are meant for the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would continue the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks indicate a more general incorrect perception of the circumstances of existence for belugas raised in confinement.

“The society needs to understand these are whales that have existed solely in enclosed habitats and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Continuing Discussion

As authorities attempt to find a resolution, proposals have been put forward, some of which have little basis in reality. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A proposed refuge in the region of Nova Scotia, which has received regulatory clearance, has shown to be most controversial. The prospective site, which includes a large area of enclosed sea water, is not yet built. Advocates remain optimistic that it could in time represent a permanent solution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among staff she’s consulted, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an experiment” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge reflects a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable solution in the short term.

Charles Vinick, head of the plan, said the location will replicate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from trainers, albeit in a much larger environment. He said after the health of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|