Welcome to a space dedicated to my creative musings, where I’ve been brewing unconventional ideas over the past few years. Due to logistical and financial constraints, these concepts remain in the realm of imagination. Nevertheless, I’m eager to share them with the world, hoping that someone might come across these ideas, feel inspired, and lend a hand in turning them into reality.
This area of research is immensely vital yet largely unexplored. Currently, there is a significant lack of data regarding the movements and behaviour of wild wombats, as well as hand-raised wombats post-release. This absence of information hampers our ability to gauge the success of wombat releases and comprehend their home range accurately. Despite existing literature, my firsthand observations, particularly through monitoring cameras placed near wild wombat burrows, suggest that their territories might be considerably smaller than previously documented. Understanding the specifics of their territorial behaviour, including territory size, potential overlaps, and nocturnal feeding patterns, is crucial. This knowledge is essential for enhancing our understanding of the species, which, in turn, will enable us to refine our conservation strategies and design more effective future programs.
Requirement: We require a GPS microchip specifically designed for wombats. Presently, such technology does not exist. Although we can implant microchips in wombats, the current method necessitates physically checking the animal, often indicating the wombat has passed away. What we truly need is a real-time tracking solution, akin to a GPS implant, to monitor wombats effectively.
Current progress: We are actively exploring the possibility of developing implants for wombats, but this effort is at a nascent stage. No substantial progress has been made yet.
As the storyteller in my family of artists, I’ve always had a passion for crafting short tales. What better way to educate the younger generation about wombats than through a series of books? Sharing the stories of wombats I’ve nurtured, like Raye and Jemma, can shed light on their challenges in a gentle yet impactful manner. Through beautifully illustrated narratives, these stories aim to spark curiosity, provoke thought, and inspire children to share their newfound knowledge with their parents. Ultimately, the goal is to nurture a sense of empathy and encourage future generations to join the efforts in helping wombats.
Requirement: I am in search of an artist to bring my vision for the book illustrations to life. I have a clear idea of how I want the illustrations to look and I’m seeking the perfect artist who aligns with this vision.
Current Progress: While some of the content has been written, I have yet to commence the search for an illustrator.
Here’s a unique concept: when I choose wine (no judgment, please!), the label often influences my decision. I’ve noticed a scarcity of wombat-themed wine labels, and I envision creating a stunning label highlighting Wombat Rescue efforts. Imagine a collaboration between us and a winery willing to participate. Such a label would not only make a beautiful gift but also contribute to funding our vital work with wombats.
Requirement: 1) We are seeking a winery interested in partnering with us to feature our wombat label and logo on some of their products and 2) we need an artist to design the new wombat label
Current progress: No progress has been achieved on this project as of yet.
While not the top priority in wombat-related issues, raising awareness is crucial. There are nearly 4,000 emojis in the Unicode standard, featuring animals like koalas and kangaroos, but it’s time to include the wombat. Our initial application in 2023 was unsuccessful. However, we plan to submit a new application in April 2024, advocating for the addition of the wombat emoji to promote awareness effectively.
Requirement– We need to prepare an updated application for a wombat emoji.
Current progress – We have not yet begun writing the new application.
I confess that I often dream about creating a documentary on the challenges faced by wombats, narrated by David Attenborough, whose voice epitomises the natural world. If not him, my dream persists of a documentary shedding light on wombats’ struggles, particularly their battle against mange. Words can’t convey the severity of this issue, and increased exposure and awareness can make a significant difference. A professionally made documentary can achieve precisely that.
Alternatively, I contemplate a documentary focusing on roadkill, road safety, and orphaned wombats. Daily, we encounter tiny wombats left motherless, requiring care. Many wombats are left injured but alive, a reality few people recognize. Stressing the importance of stopping and checking on these animals cannot be emphasized enough.
Both topics are undeniably difficult, yet I’m eager to explore the possibility of creating a documentary around them.
Requirement: We are seeking a respected documentary producer willing to collaborate with us on creating a short documentary on a specific topic.
Current progress: While we have approached one producer, we have not yet found a suitable collaborator interested in working with us on this project.
No one possesses all knowledge and the beauty of learning lies in its continuous evolution. Our understanding of wombats, their behaviour, and our interactions with them is constantly evolving. With a background in Psychology, I have long been fascinated by human and animal behaviour. My ability to work effectively with animals stems from my knack for understanding their body language and adjusting my approach accordingly.
It has been a dream of mine to compile everything I’ve learned about wombats into a book, sharing my insights with those embarking on a similar journey. This book is not intended to be the ultimate guide or the final word on the subject. Instead, it is a collection of my thoughts and experiences working with wombats, both in the wild and in care. It delves into their behavior, its significance, and offers insights on how we can adapt to better comprehend these remarkable creatures.
Requirement– just some more time each day to sit down and write
Current progress- While I have outlined the framework, no content has been developed yet
