The Evolvo-Ray is a machine built by the maniacal Doctor Neo Cortex and his former partner-in-crime Doctor Nitrus Brio to transform ordinary animals into super sapient beings. It is unknown how Brio and Cortex got the animals to the lab, but they probably captured most of them in Australia, since the Wumpa Islands are off the coast of Australia. That explains why the animals are typical Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos and bandicoots. Cortex's intention for this contraption is build an army of "Cortex Commandos" to achieve his dream of world domination.