"Design a transport device for small to medium-sized joeys"
My Honours project addresses the lack of resources and awareness in wildlife rescue. Currently in Australia there is no supplier for specialised equipment. Meanwhile, wildlife carers are non-funded and ordinary citizens lack information on what to do when accidents happen. Now, as our cities are relentlessly expanding into natural habitats, it is more important than ever to rethink interactions with our iconic animals.
My research took me to wildlife shelters in countryside Victoria where I discovered the rescue bag, a device used to transport injured or orphaned animals. Key requirements include being breathable (to avoid overheating), dark (which calms the animal down) and durable. However, it proves difficult for rescuers to carry an animal over long walking distances and visually it looks like a body bag. The design challenge then is to create a better and dignified transport method.
Early sketches: the idea of a flexible-to-rigid structure emerged
A prototype was made and tested under professional supervision at Bohollow Wildlife Shelter.
The final design is a rescue stretcher suitable for kangaroo, koala and wombat joeys weighing between 1.5 and 15 kg. The handles are bendable turning it into a compact and wearable pack, allowing rescuers to easily carry the equipment into the bush. The pouch is fully detachable via an all-around zip, for washing or exchange for a different size.
