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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an charming small “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion Ring” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and wiggles like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a gentle spirit.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a shuttered park, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those working directly with the whales say the heated debate over their destiny often ignores the individual traits of the whales who, after living their entire lives in confinement, have been carefully observed by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near the famous falls where they are held warned to euthanize them unless the government funds the upkeep of keeping them alive. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain situation.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, problem solving and communal behavior point to they are deeply intelligent creatures – something one caretaker discovered first-hand.

She spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a role that required earning the trust of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of dedication and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “In time, you gain shared confidence. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so wonderful and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so amazed by the nuances and quirks in their dispositions. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with different temperaments.

“Eve chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They altered the way I understand bonding.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her relationship with the whales developed against a background of growing public opposition to their captivity.

During her tenure at the attraction, 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 park attributes to expected lifespan, but which advocates say reflects the inadequate care in which they were housed.

The facility did not admit visitors to the visitors over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes consequences of the cessation. “Concrete is breaking off from the enclosures because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are inquisitive and so they take pieces and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a inquiry, but in the past stated: “The whales … receive far superior medical attention and constant supervision than any human in the UK, or elsewhere.”

Uncertain Future and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was fired from the facility in early March following the passing of Eos, an sick beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the facility believed information of the incident were shared to the news outlets and she was fired soon after.

The uncertainty over the whales’ future has left her and other caretakers in distress. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “practically unfeasible” task, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “considerable personnel”, vehicles and heavy equipment.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be taken immediately from the park, with its crumbling tanks and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official turned down a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the application would have meant a perpetual situation in captivity and a return to display for amusement,” the minister wrote. “As the public, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience approve an export that would prolong the treatment these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the minister’s statements indicate a broader lack of awareness of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need human care for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a resolution, ideas have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a important part of nourishment for Inuit communities.

A suggested sanctuary in the province of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has been most controversial. The prospective facility, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, remains undeveloped. Supporters remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “doubts there” about what she said is “simply an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the possibility of a protected habitat reflects a broader global shift away from animal displays and could represent a viable plan in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the plan, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a significantly bigger area. He said after the medical condition of whales is fully assessed, which could take months|an extended period|