Want to Help Bats? Here’s How

By Amanda Crow, Guest Contributor

In a world of rampant exploitation and abuse of the Earth and its inhabitants – especially nonhuman animals – sanctuaries are vital for the sake of animals and for society as they are essential learning opportunities.

One sanctuary is unique in whom it rescues. Bat World Sanctuary, located in Mineral Wells, Texas,  is the leader in saving and protecting bats.  It was founded in 1994 by Amanda Lollar, whose negative feelings about bats were changed forever when she found an injured one a few years prior.

Bat World is doing everything it can to save thousands of bats each year! The sanctuary not only rehabilitates bats that are later released back into the wild, but it’s also home to individual bats that cannot be reintroduced for a variety of reasons.  As the leader in bat care standards, rehabilitation standards, and education, protection and conservation of wild bat colonies are also very important to the sanctuary’s mission. Their website also includes information on what to do if you’ve found a bat.

So, how do you support Bat World Sanctuary? There are a few ways:

• Donate supplies through their Amazon wish list 
• Make a one-time, monthly, or annual donation.
• Sponsor a bat in need. Sponsorships help provide food and medical supplies for bats who cannot be released back into the wild.
• There are non-monetary ways to help, too!

Right now this incredible rescue organization needs your help for something special!  Bat World plans to build a larger sanctuary as the current one has nearly reached its maximum capacity. Donate specifically for this project via Bat World’s website, or via mail to Bat World Sanctuary, 217 N. Oak Ave Mineral Wells, TX, 76067.  Let’s make sure the sanctuary grows so it can continue to help one of our most vulnerable creatures.

To learn more about bats, check out  Bats: The Series.

Photo Credit: kahunapulej