Bat World Sanctuary Saves More Than 400 Bats Displaced By Hurricane Harvey

Photos From Bat World Sanctuary

From the bad, more good rises. When the news was released that a colony of some 250,000 bats was among the victims left, displaced and suffering in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Bat World Sanctuary flew into action.

The leading non-profit of its kind, Bat World Sanctuary sent trained and vaccinated members of its team, equipped with transport carriers, syringes full of bat electrolytes and emergency food, to help where they were needed most in Houston.

While the group was aware that a minimum of tens of thousands of bats had already perished, it worked diligently to save as many of the nocturnal mammals as possible.

As of Monday, Bat World had reportedly saved and released back to their colonies an estimated 400 bats.

The majority of the bats were from the massive bat colony at Waugh bridge that was forced to find refuge in surrounding buildings such as the AIG Tower off Allen Parkway and Waugh.

Though some people may find it curious, saving the bats was especially critical because they are responsible for consuming huge amounts of Houston’s mosquitoes. Without the help of the bats, a surplus of mosquitoes has the potential to lead to a proliferation of diseases after the flood.

Accompanying a video of their rescue mission for the bats trapped in the flood waters of Hurricane Harvey, the group posted its gratitude to all those who helped the lost, injured, and defenseless creatures.

“There were a lot of wonderful people out there using sticks and anything else they could find to fish the bats from the water and take them to a dry place,” explained Bat World. “We can’t properly thank all of these people because we don’t know who most of them are, but please know that we love what you did for the bats, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Bat World also offered advice to anyone who may still come across a struggling bat, instructing people to use gloves or a towel when rescuing the bat which will be frightened and might bite in self-defense.

According to its website, Bat World Sanctuary is on the front line to end the mistreatment of bats.  Each year the organization rescues hundreds of bats who might otherwise die.

Lifetime sanctuary is given to non-releasable bats, including those that are orphaned, injured, and retired from the exotic pet trade, zoos or research facilities.

Donations to allow Bat World Sanctuary to continue its rescue efforts for bats can be made HERE!