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The beluga known as Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute little “ham sandwich”. The whale Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal friend. Zephyr has “endless energy” and moves like a wiggly creature. Lillooet is the “biggest cuddle bug” with a heart of gold.

Thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a disagreement between a shuttered park, government authorities and welfare campaigners.

But those closest to the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often fails to consider the complexities of the whales who, after living their entire lives in captivity, have been carefully observed by the humans who see them each day.

After the Canadian government prevented the transfer of the belugas to China, the struggling facility near Niagara Falls where they are held threatened to euthanize them unless the authorities pays for the cost of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has rejected that request, placing the 30 whales in an ever more uncertain circumstance.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their mimicry abilities, cognitive challenges and social skills suggest they are deeply intelligent animals – something Kristy Burgess learned first-hand.

Burgess spent a significant period as a marine mammal specialist, a role that involved building relationships of the marine predators.

“Establishing those bonds over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of care. At the beginning, they’re very wary of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more trusting with you. It’s just so magical and fulfilling.”

Burgess knew the whales were highly intelligent, but she says she was even so astounded by the subtleties and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She cultivated a particular love for Eve and Cleopatra with contrasting personalities.

“One whale chose me. Cleo required effort,” she said. “Each changed the way I perceive bonding.”

Public Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

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

During her three years at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s single orca, the orca, passed away. In all, nineteen belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the park ascribes to natural mortality, but which activists say reflects the poor conditions in which they were housed.

The facility did not operate to the visitors over the recent season, but the former trainer says she observed directly effects of the shutdown. “Structural materials is falling apart from the tanks because they’re in disrepair and not being repaired. The whales are curious and so they grab fragments and swim around with pieces in their mouth. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not respond to a request for comment, but earlier stated: “The whales … obtain far better veterinary services and around the clock attention than any human in the Britain, or other places.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the facility in early March following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility believed particulars of the incident were disclosed to the media and she was fired soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ future has left Burgess and staff members in despair. She says the facility’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a negotiation tactic and is a “practically unfeasible” undertaking, adding any efforts to humanely kill even a individual beluga would require “significant staff”, trucks and machinery.

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

Burgess advocates for demands for the whales to be transferred immediately from the park, with its crumbling tanks and shrinking team.

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

“To approve the proposal would have meant a ongoing existence in confinement and a return to performance for audiences,” the official stated. “As society, we know that belugas are meant for the wild, not in tanks for our enjoyment. I could not in good conscience authorize an relocation that would perpetuate the situation these belugas have experienced.”

But Burgess said the official’s comments indicate a more general lack of awareness of the facts of existence for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The society needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the remainder of their lives,” she said. “The public just don’t realize that it’s not as straightforward as saying ‘close it down’.”

Sanctuary Proposal and Ongoing Debate

As officials attempt to find a solution, suggestions have been put forward, some of which have questionable practicality. One proposal called for the belugas to be freed into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of food for local populations.

A planned refuge in the province of eastern Canada, which recently received regulatory clearance, has shown to be contentious. The prospective location, which includes extensive space of protected cove, is not yet built. Proponents remain hopeful that it could ultimately represent a long term resolution for some of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among staff she’s discussed with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an untested concept” in the whales’ future.

Some experts say the possibility of a protected habitat reflects a worldwide trend away from zoos and aquariums and could represent a feasible approach in the coming months.

An official, head of the plan, said the site will mimic the intellectual stimulation and diet the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|