ECOSPHERE: ENDLING
April 2025
One of the last known photos of the Thylacine endling, posthumously nicknamed ‘Hobart’
Project Summary:
Endling is a short research article analyzing the story of the Thylacine, better known as the “tasmanian tiger”, a now-extinct marsupial native to Australia and New Zealand.
The article and design layout aims to humanize the effects of habitat loss, over hunting and human development on wild animal populations and highlight why we should care about making an effort to change the course of history before it’s too late.
To be the last, an Endling:
An endling is a term used to describe the last known individual of a species or sub-species. Historically, these animals are held in zoological organizations in an effort to create breeding programs before total known extinction.The word is used as an expression of finality, and in the case of most species it has been used to describe a failure to save them.
Thus, to save an endling, a species must never come to have one in the first place.
By guiding people to connect with the love and regret associated with the extinction of the Thylacine, Endling raises awareness for other animals currently facing the similar problems, in Oceania and beyond.
Final print spreads
Closing:
Contribution towards social causes is a choice, but to communicate and raise awareness is one we as designers are uniquely prepared for. However far away in space or time, there is something we can make a difference by supporting.
Endling may be a retrospective on an animal that has already gone extinct, but through education and conservation we can work towards ensuring the same fate does not befall others.