On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the women whose knowledge, curiosity and determination help protect our natural world and native species. Science plays a quiet but powerful role in wildlife rescue every day, from understanding animal behaviour to making the right decisions in urgent moments.
At WIRES, this work is driven by people who care deeply and who bring both heart and science to every rescue.
One of those people is Indiana, a Rescue Coordinator in the WIRES WRO office and a recent graduate in Biodiversity and Conservation. From taking emergency calls to coordinating care with volunteers, carers and vets, Indiana helps ensure native animals get the best possible chance when they need help most.
WIRES sat down with Indiana to discuss her journey into science, her volunteering background and her strong desire to make a real difference for animals.
Could you provide a brief outline of your current role?
I work as a Rescue Coordinator in the WIRES Rescue Office (WRO). Alongside an amazing team, I help coordinate the rescue of animals to carers and vets. From the intake of initial calls, to helping resolve complex and urgent rescues with the volunteers and our WIRES emergency team.
What motivated you to choose this career or research path?
My passion for wildlife conservation began when I was younger, rescuing kangaroos with my family through Old Wildlife Aid. I was further inspired through high school work experience at Taronga and subsequent opportunities with other zoos, sanctuaries, and veterinary practices. Because of those early experiences, I became a volunteer carer with Hunter Wildlife Rescue; where I continued to rehabilitate and release possums, macropods, birds, and reptiles.
Growing up inspired by conservationists such as Jane Goodall and David Attenborough, I have always aspired to make a meaningful and active contribution to animal research and conservation. Pursuing a degree in biodiversity and conservation has been a key step in helping me do this, supported by my work at WIRES.
What advice would you give to other women and girls wanting to follow a career in science?
Pursue every opportunity with passion and a readiness to challenge yourself. I encourage you to apply for roles or volunteer positions even if you don’t feel qualified; there’s no harm in trying and these experiences often lead to new connections and skills.
Asking questions and gaining practical experience are important to getting work with animals or in ecological sciences. Conservation and science can be a challenging but deeply rewarding career - where passion, persistence, and curiosity are essential.
Indiana’s story is just one example of the many women who power wildlife rescue and conservation every day. Across WIRES, women work as carers, rescue coordinators, educators, researchers and volunteers, applying scientific understanding alongside care, patience and determination to give native animals a second chance.
On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate not only individual journeys, but the collective impact women have on protecting Australia’s wildlife. By supporting and encouraging women and girls in science, we help ensure a stronger, more compassionate future for the animals who depend on us.
