New Programs

Many people don’t have the opportunity to go on a whale watch and observe whales in their natural habitat. Even locally, schools don’t have the funds or time to take students on field trips to see the whales like they have in the past. Yet, whales can have an incredible impact on us and our environment. For years, I’ve watched people moved to tears over seeing whales in the wild. How could I help facilitate that inspiration for people who can’t get to the ocean? 

I thought about locating a retired Oscar Meyer Weinermobile—hence the name The Whalemobile. That seemed a bit of a stretch, and what if it rained when I got to the school? Much more feasible was an incredibly realistic life-sized inflatable whale that the kids could experience in their own gym as an enrichment program instead of a field trip! They could go inside the whale, see the size and the organs, and have a “close to the real thing” experience.

Fast forward nine years, and I’ve talked with thousands of students about whales. I can provide and engaging learning experience to introduce a unit about whales or be the expert that comes in to close it and answer student questions. I use whales as the inspiration to get kids to start thinking critically about what they can do to protect our planet. My obsession for whales as a child has grown into a greater sense of responsibility to take action on behalf of the wild world. Now, I strive to cultivate that same awareness, respect and responsibility in the next generation of ocean advocates.