“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. 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.