Our inflatable whale, Ladder, is a 65-foot fin whale modeled after a real fin whale in the Gulf of Maine that we studied from 1996-2018 when he passed away. Fin whales are an endangered species, and the second-largest animal on Earth! It’s one thing for us to tell people about the size of these amazing animals, but now students (and adults) can really get a sense of how big they are.
The program begins with an introduction about whales. Next, students will meet Ladder. They will spend 40 minutes watching the large whale inflate and come to life, and then will go inside the whale for more information with our marine educator! Topics will include species in the Gulf of Maine, whale anatomy and adaptations, and conservation.
Program Details:
- This program is about 1 hour for a class of 25 students including the introduction video. Larger groups can be accommodated.
- Best for students Pre-K – 6th Grade, although it can be adapted for older children and public groups
- Students will be invited inside the whale to learn about the anatomy and ask questions of our experienced educators.
- Please make sure your space is INDOORS, at least 65 feet long (diagonally is okay) and is available for 15-30 minutes prior to and after the presentation for set-up and breakdown.
- If you do not have a space quite large enough for Ladder at 65 feet long, Nile the Inflatable Humpback Whale may be available for a visit. Nile measures about 43 feet long.
Program fees start at $495 for one class (25 or fewer students), plus travel. For an “open house” style event rather than a structured education program, Ladder can visit for two hours for the same fee.
Please contact us at whaleprograms@blueoceansociety.org with questions, or if you would like to discuss a rate adjustment given your unique circumstances.
Request a program at your preferred date below. We recommend requesting a program at least one month in advance so we can try our best to accommodate your preferred date.
Funding for Ladder was generously provided by: Alex Shulman Environmental Fund, Community Fund for Environment and Berounsky Family Fund, both of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation; Dorr Foundation; Donors to Blue Ocean Society’s Moosejaw x Crowdrise Challenge, Spring 2014