BATTYS
FOR
BADDIES!

A batty-fabulous, spook-tacular, and wildly whimsical fundraiser! It’s Halloween, and we’re bringing the bat-tastic vibes!

 

WELCOME!

Welcome to the most batty-fabulous, spook-tacular, and wildly whimsical fundraiser in Edmonton! Symbolically NAME & adopt a Jamaican Fruit Bat in honor of a baddie in your life, to celebrate your Halloween-obsessed friends, or give a fun and unique gift to an animal or bat lover.

The proceeds from this year’s campaign will go to the WCS Alberta Community Bat Program and to installing a series of bat boxes around the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

It’s Halloween, and we’re bringing the bat-tastic vibes!

 

FOR NAMING INSPO, HERE’S A SHOUT OUT TO OUR FAVE 2023 BAT NAMES:

Tiana
Squeaky Pete
Ackee Bat
Flitter Fox
Guinep Glider
Soaring Sweetsop
Paul the Pollinator Lawson
Bartok
Milo The Magical
Cookie Dough
Scott Batula
BOO
FANG
Freya
Fruit Salad Cowboy
Stinky Sean
Babes
Zookie
Kappa Batta Gamma
Ciel
Batholomew
Sue
Tuti
Maxwell James (In Memory)
Lemon
Danieruu
Buffy
Nandor the Relentless
Kristie Queen of the Damned
SeBATstian
Viera the Vampire
Jael
Batolomew
Fig
Bertil
Batty Suzie
Barb
Supermango
Donna
Walter
Batadict Cumberbat
Bug
Michelle The Magnificent
Elizabeth
Batricia
Batty Koda

ABOUT BAT CONSERVATION.

 

Did you know there are nine species of bats in the Edmonton area? Of these, three migrate south for the winter, while the remaining six hibernate locally. The Hoary Bat, Eastern Red Bat, and Silver-Haired Bat are our migrating species. The Big Brown Bat, Little Brown Bat, Long-Legged Myotis, Northern Myotis, Long-Eared Myotis, and Western Small-Footed Myotis all choose to hibernate here through the cold months.

Bats play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. They act as natural pest controllers, consuming vast amounts of insects each night, which helps protect crops and reduce the need for pesticides. Their contributions to ecosystems around the world make them invaluable for biodiversity.

Unfortunately, bats face a major threat from White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease that has devastated bat populations in North America. This disease affects hibernating bats, causing them to wake up frequently during winter, which depletes their energy reserves and often leads to death. WNS has caused significant declines in bat species, particularly in the northeastern regions, and remains a pressing concern for bat conservation efforts.

While some people may not appreciate bats roosting in buildings, attics, or other human-made structures, it’s important to remember that bats are just looking for a safe place to raise their young and hibernate. For those who are uncomfortable with their presence, there are humane ways to manage it, but ultimately, we need to make room for these vital creatures in our shared environments.

The Alberta Community Bat Program is dedicated to ensuring a future where bats are not only thriving but are also recognized for the crucial roles they play in our ecosystems. As part of this mission, the program raises awareness about the importance of bats and the threats they face, while fostering a sense of stewardship among communities. By supporting the program, you’re helping to protect these remarkable mammals and contributing to the broader goal of wildlife conservation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BAT CONSERVATION:

SHOW SOME LOVE FOR OUR LOCAL BATTYS.

 

$25 DONATION

Are you a bat-lovin’ baddie? Show your love for our spooktacular winged friends by donating $25 to the Battys for Baddies Campaign. For your donation, you’ll receive a fun, bat-themed, downloadable thank-you card.

$50 DONATION

Want to symbolically name & adopt a bat in honor of your favorite “baddie”? Show your love for our winged friends by donating $50 to the Battys for Baddies Campaign and you’ll receive a dIGITAL adoption certificate!

fun bat-ivities.

 

a good year

DOWNLOAD “ALBERTA’S AMAZING BATS” & LEARN ABOUT A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A BAT.

BAT HOUSES

Read this primer for advice on building and installing bat houses in Alberta.

black crayons

Dowload a free colouring & activity book afor interactive learning!

all the BATS!

Get the deets on the nine species of bat you might encounter in the Edmonton area!

ADOPT A JAMAICAN FRUIT BAT.

 

$75 Adopt An Animal
Halloween Special

Adopt a Bat for your Baddie! Each adoption package comes with a huggable plush bat, an Adoption Certificate with Your Chosen Name and A Halloween-themed Jamacian Fruit Bat Fact Sheet, in a neatly packaged in a reusable box!

JAMAICAN FRUIT BATS

The Jamaican Fruit Bat, scientifically known as Artibeus jamaicensis, is a fascinating species of bat endemic to the Caribbean island of Jamaica. These bats are frugivorous, meaning they have a diet predominantly composed of fruits, making them important contributors to the ecosystem’s seed dispersal.

With a wingspan of around 30 centimeters and a distinctive reddish-brown fur, the Jamaican Fruit Bat is a medium-sized bat known for its agility and adaptability. They are often found roosting in caves, hollow trees, or abandoned buildings during the day, while they embark on nocturnal foraging adventures to feed on various tropical fruits at night.

These bats play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitat by aiding in the regeneration of forests through seed dispersal and pollination, making them a crucial component of Jamaica’s biodiversity.

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is home to a colony of over 100 Jamaican Fruit Bats!

Proceeds from this this Adopt an Animal Special help improve habitats and enrichment materials at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT JAMAICAN FRUIT BATS ON THE WILD TIMES BLOG:

days to halloween

 

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Be sure to share the fun on social media with hashtag #BattysForBaddies and #YEGZOO. DON’T FORGET TO tag @BuildingOurZoo and @EdmontonValleyZoo on Facebook and Instagram!