Wildlife Rehabilitation featuring rescue partner : Bat World
So far , in 2022 , Arlington Animal Services has transferred 38 wild animals including , opossums , squirrels , rabbits , bird , and bats to certified rehabbers in our area . As a part of National Wildlife Day , we want to introduce you to one of our wildlife rescue partners , Bat World Sanctuary .
From Bat World Sanctuary ' s Director of Special Projects , Kate Rugroden :
Photos courtesy of Bat World
Can you tell us a little more about Bat World Sanctuary and how it came to be ? Bat World Sanctuary was founded in 1994 by Amanda Lollar . In 1988 , Amanda found an injured Mexican freetail bat on a sidewalk in downtown Mineral Wells , and since she did not want the animal to suffer and die without being cared for , she took it home . During her short life in captivity , Sunshine the bat taught Amanda the language of bats and inspired her deep love for this remarkable species . In 1991 she chronicled the experience in her book The Bat in My Pocket , A Memorable Friendship . Originally located in downtown Mineral Wells , the facility moved to its present location outside of Cool in 2015 . Bat World ' s purpose is to rescue , rehabilitate and release orphaned , ill , injured and displaced native bats , and to provide lifetime sanctuary to both native and non-native bat species that cannot be released . Currently the facility has approximately 450 bats in residence ; the majority of these are fruit bats that have been retired from zoos and research facilities or rescued from the exotic pet trade .
What are the special projects you do for this wildlife organization ? As Director of Special Projects , I am primarily responsible for teaching adult continuing education classes in general wildlife rehabilitation as well as bat rehabilitation , media appearances , and representing wildlife rehabilitators as chair of the National White Nose Syndrome response team ' s stakeholder committee . In addition I am a permitted wildlife rehabilitator supervising the activities of approximately a dozen satellite subpermittees and coordinating the efforts of another 15-20 transport and stabilization subpermittees , and serve on the TPWD Wildlife Rehabilitators Council .
On average how many bats ( and how many wildlife animals ) do you help each year ? On average , I personally take in and rehabilitate between 250 and 300 animals per year ; in combination with my satellites that total number is roughly doubled . Of the animals that I personally take in , about 70-75 % are bats .
What is your favorite part of wildlife rehab ? My favorite part of wildlife rehabilitation is taking care of an animal that is sick or injured , providing food , medicine , and an appropriate habitat , and releasing them when they are recovered . Watching them run or fly free is the greatest reward there is .
What is your favorite thing about bats ? I love bat personalities . Each bat in my care has its own quirks , and they are very much individuals . They are also very intelligent , and despite the language barrier they are able to communicate clearly what they want and need .
What do you want the public to know about bats ? I want the public to know that we have a pretty robust population of bats here in Arlington , and they provide a huge service in consuming all those pesky mosquitoes ! Although we have a half-dozen different species that are fairly common here , bats are shy and secretive , and most people will never see one .
What is the most important thing the public needs to know about bats ? About wildlife ? For both bats in particular and wildlife in general , the most important thing the public needs to know is that they should never , under any circumstances , handle any wild animal barehanded or attempt to care for it themselves . It is illegal to keep native wildlife as a pet , and special permits and extensive training are required in order to be a rehabilitator . Wild animals perceive humans as predators , and if they are frightened or injured they may bite in self defense .
Do you have a favorite rehabilitation story involving wildlife ? This is a tough question - there are so many stories ! I think the most memorable experience I ' ve ever had was having a bat give birth in my hand .
If the public is interested in getting involved , how can they do that ? If anyone is interested in getting involved , they can contact me by email at
bwmidcities @ batworld . org . I teach TPWD approved classes on basic wildlife rehabilitation and work with a network of rehabilitators who can mentor them .