BAT RESCUE INC. : OUR STORY
WHO WE ARE
Bat Rescue Inc. is a self-funded volunteer organisation whose members are permitted to care for sick, injured and orphaned Australian wildlife under the auspices of Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science (DES).
WHERE WE ARE FROM
Established on the Sunshine Coast in 2002, BAT RESCUE INC. was South-East Queensland’s first bat-specific care group.
As our support, reputation and member numbers grew, individual bat carers on the Gold Coast joined Bat Rescue Inc. and formed an official Gold Coast branch in 2004. This was followed by the formation of additional branches in Brisbane and the Lockyer Valley a few years later.
In 2007 the Brisbane branch established BAT CARE BRISBANE, which was subsequently re-named BAT CONSERVATION & RESCUE QLD (BCRQ).
The Gold Coast and Lockyer Valley branches eventually amalgamated to form BATS QLD in 2013.
WHAT WE DO
The aims of the organisation are:
- To rescue, rehabilitate and release bats back into the wild
- To participate in and encourage active conservation of bats and their habitat
- To promote bats as an important part of our ecology
- To provide education and information to the general public
RESCUING BATS
Our 24/7 rescue service is provided FREE of charge by our trained and vaccinated volunteers as a contribution to our local community.
Our carers service communities across the Sunshine Coast with a number of long distance members also operating in Ipswich, Brisbane, Bribie Island, Gympie, Gold Coast and the Fraser Coast.
REHABILITATE AND RELEASING BATS
Bat Rescue has a number of pre-creche facilities and aviaries at various private properties across the Sunshine Coast. These are used to house orphaned, injured and rehabilitating bats.
Excellent cooperative working relationships exist with other bat organisations. A dedicated creche facility and release site in close proximity to a wild bat colony is shared with Bat Conservation & Rescue Queensland Inc (BCRQ).
CONSERVATION WORK FOR BATS
Special Projects, Past & Present
Our reputation as a group whose vision and effort goes beyond simply being carers has been well and truly established. A number of major projects have been undertaken over the years. These are often in partnership with other organisations.
Bat Rescue has actively participated in the instigation of vegetation management and colony habitat restoration. This has included hazard reduction initiatives (barb wire, fruit tree netting, electrocution) within the community.
Some Projects Are:
- Orphan Airlift Rescue for 90 tick paralysis orphans from Far North Queensland (2004)
- Cascades Gardens Flying-Fox Revegetation Project (Gold Coast 2004-2006)
- Creation Of An Observation Platform Overlooking The Colony Site (Gold Coast October 2006)
- Reduction of Electrocution Trouble Spots – 2004 (Gold Coast and SE QLD ongoing project in collaboration with Energex)
- Wildlife Friendly Fencing Project – 2007 (ongoing project in collaboration with Tolga Bat Hospital and BCRQ)
- Orphan Rescue & Relocation to SE QLD from the massive Bush Fire and Heat Stress event in NSW (Feb 2020)
- Orphan Rescue & Relocation to SE QLD from an unknown Colony Disturbance and Abandonment in Rockhampton, North QLD (Dec 2020)
Community Recognition
Bat Rescue is proud to have received community recognition for our activities. These include two Gold Gecko Awards (GECKO (Gold Coast & Hinterland Environment Council) and the ‘Biddy Gear Award’. They were received from WPSQ (Wildlife Preservation Society Gold Coast & Hinterland Branch).
Awarded for habitat restoration, rescue and rehabilitation, public awareness campaigns and initiatives, these awards were achieved in partnership with electricity supplier ENERGEX.
EDUCATION ABOUT BATS
Public Promotion Of Bats By Bat Rescue
One of our core responsibilities is to educate the public about the ecological importance of these unique creatures. Every opportunity to do so is essential to their preservation and viability amongst our community.
Attending rescues is an ideal opportunity for our experienced bat carers to give one-on-one information to members of the public. At the scene is an ideal situation to show people who we are, what we do and what they can do when finding an injured or orphaned bat.
In addition, Bat Rescue regularly participates in popular community events. These include World Environment Day Festival, Festival of the Waters (Noosa), Australasian Bat Night and Animal Expos.
Talks are also conducted at local community venues, schools and for various Environmental organisations.
Education About Bats For Members And Carers
Bat Rescue runs annual educational workshops for all new members, carers and interested non-members. These are often held in the months of September to November. Look out for the workshop dates advertised through our membership email network and on our Bat Rescue Inc. Facebook Group page.
PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS OF BAT RESCUE INC.
The great work performed by Bat Rescue Inc. would not be possible without our collaborative partners.
WILVOS (Wildlife Volunteer Association) in particular help us by allowing use of their 24 hr wildlife Hotline Emergency Call service.
We are also grateful to BCRQ (Bat Conservation & Rescue Queensland) in sharing the use of their creche and pre-release aviary.
The cooperation of ENERGEX is invaluable for on-site assistance with our unfortunate electrocution rescues, as well as E-Collaboration.
We are also indebted to all our supportive community VACCINATED VETS. These include Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre At Eumundi, and Noosa Village Vet.
And last but not least, the SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL for funding via their Environmental Levy Grant and other assistance with colony monitoring and community bat conservation.