Whale Talk
(NEWSCENTER Maine) Climb Inside a Whale: Maine Wildlife Educator Teaches About Ocean Life with Life-Size Exhibit
This feature from NEWSCENTER highlights how Within the Whale started, how the inflatable exhibit helps people experience a whale’s world from the inside, and the excitement it brings to both kids and adults.
This piece offers a great look at how Chunk and I are bringing whale education to communities all over Maine—even far from the coast. It highlights why I started Within the Whale, how the inflatable exhibit helps people experience a whale’s world from the inside, and the excitement we’ve seen from both kids and adults. It also shares a glimpse of how quickly the program has grown and where it may go next.
You can read the full story on NEWSCENTER Maine.
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.
(WMTW) Go Inside a Whale: Maine Educator Touring the State with a Unique Opportunity
WMTW offered a fun look at what it’s like to travel around Maine with Chunk—the 43‑foot inflatable humpback whale.
This feature offers a fun look at what it’s like to travel around Maine with Chunk—the 43‑foot inflatable humpback whale! It highlights how the program took off, why Chunk means so much to the communities we visit, and the joy (and occasional chaos) of bringing people inside a whale for the first time. It also shares a bit about where we’re headed next, including the possibility of taking Chunk beyond Maine in 2026.
You can read the full story on WMTW.
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.
(PEOPLE) Woman Goes Viral After Designing Life-Size Inflatable Whale Replica to Honor a Beloved Humpback
PEOPLE recently featured the story behind Chunk—the life‑size inflatable humpback whale that has become such a meaningful part of Within the Whale’s work.
This news feature dives into the story behind Chunk—the life‑size inflatable humpback whale that has become such a meaningful part of my work. It highlights the beloved real whale who inspired her, how Within the Whale began, and the incredible response from communities across Maine. The article also shares a bit about my path in wildlife education and why creating this experience felt so important.
If you’d like to read the full piece, you can find it on PEOPLE.
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.
(WHOM 94.9) Step Inside a Giant Whale for a One-of-a-Kind Science Lesson
WHOM 94.9 recently featured Within the Whale’s story—including the real humpback who inspired “Chunk” and the challenges whales face in the Gulf of Maine.
Chunk, the life‑size inflatable humpback whale, has been traveling with me to schools, libraries, and community events for years, helping kids and adults step inside ocean science in a way they never forget.
WHOM 94.9 recently featured Chunk’s story—including the real humpback who inspired her, the challenges whales face in the Gulf of Maine, and why this program means so much to the communities we visit.
If you’d like to learn more, and watch some videos, read the full article at WHOM 94.9.
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.
Introducing Within the Whale: A Whale of an Educational Adventure
At the heart of the Within the Whale experience is a life-size inflatable humpback whale—and yes, you can go inside! It's hands-on science like you've never seen before.
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!