Volunteer-run non-profit Bats Queensland is an incredible organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating bats along Australia's Gold Coast. Not only do they save injured bats, but they nurse them back to health and help them get back into the wild. Focusing on the two main groups of bats—flying foxes and microbats—they also help educate the public about the importance of these flying mammals.
This dedicated group of volunteers is often called to help bats that have been found stuck in barbed wire or improper fruit netting, which can lead to serious injury. Luckily, through the donations that they receive, they are able to get the animals back into top shape. To help raise awareness about bats and break through some of the public's preconceived notions, the group is also quite active on social media.
They share a lot of photos of their adorable patients. Some are strong enough to “hang out” in their aviary, while others are seen wrapped in blankets, getting the loving care that they need. When looking close up at their cute faces, it's impossible not to fall in love. Alongside each photo, Bats Queensland tells a bit about how these creatures ended up in their care and reminds us of what we can do to help.
The group is also quick to remind us that as the world's only flying mammal, bats are an essential part of our ecosystem. For instance, the flying fox is able to cross-pollinate tall coastal trees and are critical to hardwood flower pollination. As these flowers only receive pollination at night, it's up to the nocturnal bats to do the job. By flying much further than bees and birds, a single flying fox is able to disperse up to 3,000 seeds in one night.
Microbats, which feed on insects, also play an important role thanks to their voracious appetite. They eat up to one-third of their body weight in insects in one night! In fact, they're so good at keeping insects away that some organic farmers actually install bat boxes as a natural form of pest control. To put it into perspective, a microbat can catch up to 500 insects in an hour.
By helping out these adorable mammals, Bats Queensland is doing its part to repay the bats for their work. If you want to get involved, you can Adopt a Bat or leave a donation. All help is appreciated!
Bats Queensland is a volunteer-run non-profit that rescues and rehabs bats along Australia's Gold Coast.
They post adorable photos of the flying foxes and microbats that they have in their care.
They use their social media channels to break misconceptions about these cute flying mammals.
Bats Queensland: Website | Instagram | Facebook
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Bats Queensland.
Related Articles:
Lovable Portraits of Rescued Sloth Babies in Costa Rican Animal Refuge
Adorable Portraits of Pollen-Covered Bats Taken by the World’s Leading Bat Expert
Adorable Rescue Kittens Get a Sweet Newborn Photo Shoot to Help Them Get Adopted
Animal Conservationists Wear Special Jackets to Take Care of an Orphaned Baby Zebra
