Remembering Our First Whale Visit: A Whale-Sized Success at Hancock Grammar School

Within the Whale officially made its debut—and what a splash it was!

We had the honor of bringing our life-size inflatable humpback whale, Chunk, to Hancock Grammar School for our very first school visit in early February 2025, and the experience was nothing short of magical.

The moment students walked into the gym and laid eyes on the massive 40-foot whale, jaws literally dropped. You could hear gasps, giggles, and excited whispers echo off the walls. It’s not every day you find a full-sized humpback whale hanging out in the school gym!

Over the course of the day, we met with students from kindergarten through 5th grade, taking each class on an unforgettable ocean adventure.

Exploring the Outside

We began each session by gathering around Chunk’s enormous body and taking a close look at what makes humpback whales thrive in their ocean home. From their streamlined shape to their flippers, flukes, and blowholes, students learned how whales are perfectly adapted to life in the sea. We also talked about real-life threats whales face and how we can help protect them.

Stepping Inside the Whale

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for—we stepped inside Chunk!

Inside the inflatable whale, students were able to explore 3D models of organs and bones and learn how these marine mammals are similar to us in some ways (like having lungs), and very different in others (ever hear of a three-chambered stomach?). Students had incredible questions and curious minds as they made connections between themselves and this massive marine mammal.

Heartfelt Goodbyes

We wrapped up each class with a special goodbye: every student got the chance to give Chunk a pat on her side as they filed out of the gym, many whispering “bye Chunk!” or “I love you, whale!” along the way. Several students shared that it was the best day ever and that they now want to help save whales when they grow up.

That’s exactly why we do what we do.

Bringing marine science to life in such a memorable, hands-on way is at the heart of our mission. We’re so grateful to the wonderful staff and students at Hancock Grammar School for welcoming us and helping us kick off our program with so much excitement and love.

This was just the beginning, and we can’t wait to bring Chunk to more communities around Maine.

Book a Visit

To learn more about whales, Within the Whale is booking visits for schools, libraries, summer camps, and community events across Maine. Want us to visit your school or event? Reach out and let’s dive in together!

How We Know the Whales: Tracking Humpbacks in the Gulf of Maine

If you’ve ever spotted the spout of a whale off the coast of Maine, you know how magical that moment can be. But did you know that researchers and scientists can often identify exactly which whale you saw?

That’s right—humpback whales, the same species as our beloved inflatable whale Chunk, are individually tracked and documented through a massive collaborative effort. This process helps researchers understand whale populations, migration patterns, health trends, and even family histories. And much of it starts with a simple sighting.

A Whale of a Catalog

Humpback whales are identified primarily by the unique markings on the underside of their tails (also called flukes). These markings act like fingerprints—no two flukes are exactly alike. Scientists photograph these flukes and use them to build and maintain the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalog, a centralized database that documents thousands of individual whales across decades.

So if you snap a photo of a whale’s tail in Maine, there’s a chance that the whale is already in the catalog—and if not, your sighting could be an important new entry!

Meet the Ocean’s First Responders

When a humpback is spotted close to shore, in distress, or has sadly stranded, it’s dedicated organizations like Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) and Allied Whale that jump into action.

• Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is a vital nonprofit that responds to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, provides rehabilitation to sick or injured animals, and helps educate the public about conservation. They’re often the first call when a whale is found in trouble along the coast.

• Allied Whale, based at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, is a leader in whale research. They manage the Gulf of Maine Humpback Whale Catalog and conduct field research on marine mammals throughout the region. If a humpback whale is spotted off the coast of Maine, it’s likely Allied Whale has information about its past sightings.

These organizations work with researchers, boaters, and beachgoers to collect data and respond to situations that affect marine wildlife. Their work is not only essential for whale conservation but also helps educate the public about the fragile balance of our ocean ecosystems.

How You Can Help

If you see a whale while out on the water, take a picture if it’s safe to do so—especially of the tail! Then report your sighting to a local organization like Allied Whale. If the whale appears stranded, entangled, or injured, call the Marine Mammals of Maine hotline immediately at (800) 532-9551.

By being an extra set of eyes on the ocean, you become part of the conservation network working to protect these gentle giants.

At Within the Whale, we’re proud to honor the work of these organizations in our programs and share the stories of real whales—like Chunk—with students and communities across Maine. Because the more we know about these incredible animals, the more we can do to protect them.

Book a Visit

To learn more about whales, Within the Whale is booking visits for schools, libraries, summer camps, and community events across Maine. At the heart of our program is a life-size inflatable humpback whale—and yes, you can go inside it!

Every tail has a tale—let’s keep telling their stories.

Introducing Within the Whale: A Whale of an Educational Adventure

Welcome to Within the Whale, an exciting educational outreach program in Maine. We’re bringing the ocean to you with an unforgettable, immersive experience that inspires wonder, sparks curiosity, and fosters a lifelong connection to the sea.

At the heart of our program is a life-size inflatable humpback whale—and yes, you can go inside it! Step into the belly of the whale, where you’ll explore 3D anatomical features and discover the incredible story of one of the ocean’s most iconic creatures. It's hands-on science like you've never seen before.

Meet Chunk: Our Whale, Our Inspiration

Our inflatable whale is modeled after a real humpback named Chunk, a beloved regular in the Gulf of Maine. Known for the missing “chunk” in her dorsal fin, Chunk was about 40 feet long and around 10 years old. Though she sadly passed away in the summer of 2024, her story lives on through our lessons, reminding us how powerful personal connections to wildlife can be.

Through Chunk’s story, students and families learn about whale anatomy, migration, feeding habits, impacts, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting our ocean ecosystems. It’s a journey inside the whale—and into the world of marine science.

Ocean Education for All Ages

Whether you’re a kindergartener discovering whales for the first time or a high school student diving into marine biology, our programming is tailored for every age group and learning level. We’ve aligned our content with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to ensure it’s educational, engaging, and relevant.

Can’t accommodate the inflatable whale? We also offer a whale lesson without the whale, so we can reach schools, libraries, and community groups all over Maine and beyond.

Meet the Educator

Within the Whale was founded by Jessica Woodend, a wildlife educator with a degree in Natural Resource Management and a lifelong love of marine life. Jessica has spent her career making science fun, accessible, and impactful. Whether she’s teaching about bats, whales, or pollinators, her passion for connecting people with nature shines through.

When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her hiking the coast, beachcombing, volunteering with marine conservation groups, or tending to her pollinator garden.

Book a Visit

Ready to go Within the Whale? We’re booking visits for schools, libraries, summer camps, and community events across Maine. Let’s bring the ocean to your neighborhood and splash into science.

Dive in and discover what’s within the whale!