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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie is an charming small “playful character”. The whale Orion – called “Onion” – is a big but guardian-like friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a wiggly creature. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a disagreement between a shuttered park, public officials and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense discussion over their future often fails to consider the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in enclosed habitats, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who work with them regularly.

After the national authorities blocked the transfer of the belugas to China, the controversial amusement park near Niagara Falls where they are held stated it would consider to put them down unless the government funds the cost of their survival. The nation’s marine resources official has denied that ultimatum, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable position.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Scientists say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, problem solving and social skills indicate they are remarkably smart creatures – something Kristy Burgess observed first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a position that involved building relationships of the sea creatures.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the outset, they’re very cautious of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain mutual trust. 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 nevertheless surprised by the nuances and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a deep bond for a pair of whales with contrasting personalities.

“One whale accepted me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “Each transformed the way I perceive relationships.”

Growing Opposition and Facility Decline

Her connection with the whales evolved against a background of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her time at the attraction, seven belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, succumbed. In all, 19 belugas have died at the park since recent years, a statistic which the park links to natural mortality, but which campaigners say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the guests over the recent season, but Burgess says she witnessed firsthand consequences of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the pools because they’re in disrepair and not being maintained. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and swim around with chunks in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … receive far superior veterinary services and 24/7 attention than any individual in the Britain, or other places.”

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 park staff had to euthanize. She said the facility believed particulars of the death were shared to the media and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ fate has left Burgess and staff members in distress. She says the park’s ultimatum to kill its whales is a bargaining chip and is a “practically unfeasible” endeavor, adding any plans to humanely kill even a one beluga would require “immense manpower”, equipment and machinery.

“There’s no way in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be removed promptly from the facility, with its failing enclosures and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s fisheries minister turned down a request to export the whales to an overseas location.

“Granting the request would have meant a perpetual existence in enclosure and a return to public entertainment,” the official wrote. “As society, we know that whales belong in the wild, not in pools for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an export that would prolong the situation these belugas have endured.”

But Burgess said the official’s remarks indicate a broader incorrect perception of the facts of living conditions for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to understand these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t realize that it’s not as simple as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers struggle to find a resolution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. A suggested plan called for the belugas to be released into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a important part of food for local populations.

A suggested sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has proven most controversial. The prospective site, which includes extensive space of protected cove, is not yet built. Proponents remain optimistic that it could eventually represent a permanent solution for a number of the whales.

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

Different voices say the prospect of a refuge represents a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a viable plan in the short term.

The project lead, head of the initiative, said the facility will simulate the mental engagement and feeding regimen the whales get from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive environment. He said after the well-being of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|