Week One! Arrival

From left to right : Neeraj Rajwani, Nasharuddin, Yap Lih Ter, Sundrrakannan, Philip Mah, Andrew Yee

Group Photo with the Pet

A sugar glider was chosen to be the subject of study for this module for various reasons. Amongst them, the complexity and difficulty provided a challenge for us as we would have to put in a great deal of effort into the research and care of the pet. Besides that, it is a rather unique and uncommon animal, one which is not usually seen and known by the public.

Initially, a number of different pets were selected as potential choices to be selected. Amongst them were a snake, tarantula, scorpion and the final choice, the sugar glider. All the choices were evaluated based on the criteria of interest, cost, difficulty, and potential to be related to biomimetic engineering. From the evaluation process, the sugar glider trumped the other choices. 

A thorough and definitive background research was performed on the behavioural aspects, required care, handling method amongst other key criteria and information so that we would have all the required materials, knowledge and resources to be able to care for the animal. Before arrival, we prepared a suitable habitat for the sugar glider. A small animal cage, with a water dispenser and a food tray was selected as a basis for the habitat. Additionally, to provide more comfort, a coconut husk was modified to be a 'hanging house' was fabricated by our group. An old t-shirt used from one of our group mates (Sundrrakannan) was selected as a bedding with the purpose of familiarizing the scent of the owner with the animal.

Figure 1.1 Habitat build based on the needs on the pet

Figure 1.2 Handmade coconut by Sundrrakannan 

Figure 1.3 A hanging pole for swinging 

Figure 1.4 For exercise

For food, the sugar glider is omnivorous but as it is only two weeks old, a diet consisting of of apples and pellets (made from honey milk, natural protein and lecithin) was prepared. When it arrived in its new habitat, it was quite distressed as it is in a new environment so we kept it in isolation in a dark room for two days so as to familiarize itself.

Figure 1.5 Snacks for the pet

A sugar glider is an animal which requires a lot of care and attention so once the isolation period was complete, our group had a lot of physical interaction with it during the night because it is primarily a nocturnal animal.

Figure 1.6 The sugar glider is familiarizing to his new owner (take 1)

Figure 1.7 (take 2)

Figure 1.8 The sugar glider finds the shoulder as a comfort spot

Figure 1.9 It feeds on apples (take 1)

Figure 1.10 (take 2)