Near a walking track in Brisbane, Australia, a group of fig trees can be found sprouting from the soil, their thick, spindly roots and long branches providing shelter for plenty of wild animals who call the area home. Recently, a walker passed by these trees and noticed something odd — there appeared to be a little black blob struggling on the ground.
The Good Samaritan realized the object was actually a flying fox, a species of fruit bat. Unsure what to do, they called Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD for assistance. It turns out, they made the right choice.
Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD
“Any bat alone in the daytime or on the ground needs help,” Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD trauma carer and rescuer Rebecca Appleton told The Dodo. “It’s not normal behavior.”
By the time Appleton arrived, the little bat, whom rescuers later named Angelica, had managed to climb into one of the trees. Appleton carefully removed Angelica from the tree trunk and took her home for a medical evaluation.
Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD
Appleton noticed a wound in Angelica’s jaw area, so she brought her to RSPCA QLD, where vets cleaned and treated her injuries.
Today, Angelica is almost fully recovered, preparing to return home to the wild.
Appleton is glad that Angelica will soon fly free again, especially considering her key role in the environment.
“All bats play important ecological roles,” Appleton said. “Flying foxes are vital pollinators and seed dispersers — many of our iconic trees rely on them. Calling them in for rescue if they are alone in the daytime (even on powerlines) is a great way to save a life.”
Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD
You don’t need to be a bat rescuer to help keep bats safe. According to Appleton, community members can protect bats by bringing their dogs inside at night, calling an animal rescue hotline anytime they see a bat in need, and making sure to never touch a wild bat.
If everyone does their part, flying foxes like Angelica can continue living in peace.
To help other bats like Angelica, you can make a donation to Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD. 
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