Bat World Sanctuary
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June 8, 2013
On Halloween of last year I found an injured Mexican Free tail bat in the warehouse where I work. Thanks to Bat World's copious information concerning the handling of such bats during a rescue, I was able to safely contain him.
I was unable to get him to Bat World, and as it happens, it was the worst possible timing: founder Amanda Lollar was at the hospital with her father who had just fallen ill, and her backup volunteer was similarly beset, though with an ultimately less severe malady. After some phone tag, Amanda got back to me later that night, and while clearly short of breath and just having returned from a tense and exhausting stay at her father's side, nevertheless expressed an eager willingness to take in the bat right then.
It's not a trivial thing: bats in such a condition have to be inspected, immediately treated, most often rehydrated and fed on a special regimen so as not to further tax their already overtaxed bodies. It's a lot of work, and most other people would have understandably let it wait until morning given the tragedy she'd gone through. Amanda wasn't only willing to do all this right then, but even offered to send someone to collect it right away.
That didn't work out either; I'd handed off the bat to someone I trusted who was able to drive there, and while there are secure rescue boxes outside for just these situations, he misunderstood their purpose and took the bat home where I had no idea how to reach him. He'd tried to feed and offered water to the bat, but it was terrified and refused both.
After all this time, I'm pretty sure it was in a dangerously frail state when it arrived at Bat World the next day, but the expertise of Amanda and her volunteers are such that they helped the now-christened Ichabod onward to recovery anyway. Sadly, his wrist was injured to the point that he could never fly again, so he has a home at Bat World now with other little bats who've been permanently grounded as well, so his injury won't keep him from being around friends.
And in addition to all this, they had the consideration to keep me well in the loop as to Ichabod's progress, as I'd never been in a position to rescue an animal before and found myself shocked at how emotionally invested in a little bat's well-being I had become. Amanda's first book was about a similar experience, she recognized it in me and was very understanding. It was a pivotal moment in how I looked at the world and my place in it, and they just knew it.
In the end, that's all there is to say; the people at Bat World Sanctuary just Get It.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give it tons of money.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
June 6, 2013
This wonderful organization rehabilitates bats and if possible, releases them back into the wild. If that is not possible, the bats are given lifetime sanctuary. They also work to educate people about bats. If have learned a lot of new things about bats and have come to appreciate everything that bats do for our environment. I have been donating since 2012 and have assisted with fundraising efforts. I have found this organization to be very efficient with funds received and very transparent, so donors know exactly what their money doing.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
1 person found this review helpful
November 8, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I have had some of the most incredible experiences of my life volunteering at Bat World Sanctuary! Learning to care for these tiny creatures, and discovering just how intelligent and sensitive they are, has given me a whole new perspective on the wondrous variety of life. I've learned that bats are essential to every living thing on our planet, and they deserve our respect and appreciation. Thank you, Bat World, for changing my life!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 16, 2012
Each year, my students collect pennies to sponsor bats at Bat World Sanctuary. Initially, my students think that bats are creepy, rabid, disease filled creatures that deserve death. Thanks to Amanda Loller and Bat World Sanctuary, my students learn how beneficial bats are to our world. Without the positive information from Bat World Sanctuary and Amanda's love of bats, more of these creatures would be destroyed and misunderstood. We live in a riparian/desert habitat with many different species of bats that are constantly being killed by those who misunderstand them. Amanda's love for these little critters helps the world to understand how important these animals are to the earth's survival. I love visiting her website with my class and really appreciate the work she is doing to help bats.
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Was your donation impactful?
Unsure
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
April 18, 2012
I am an elementary school teacher. I love biology. I was troubled when some students destroyed a cave full of bats in my neighborhood by throwing water balloons full of bleach in the cave. Most of the bats were killed. On poor little fellow managed to land above the doorway to my classroom. Due to ignorance and superstition, a parent complained and wanted the bat killed by the custodian of our school. The custodian was going to kill the bat and I did the only thing that I could think of. I grabbed a fish tank and a towel and climbed up on a chair before anyone could do anything and captured the little tiny bat. I don't recommend that anyone else do this but I didn't know what else to do and time was rapidly running out for this small bat. I was actually terrified but did not want anyone to know that. I was able to contact the people at the Bat World Sanctuary and they gave me the names of couple in my area who would help me with this little bat. I thought it was a baby because its body was no bigger than my thumb. I bought some canned kitten milk from the local pet store and the poor dear reluctantly drank the milk from an eye dropper. He didn't like it too much but didn't complain. I eventually got this little bat to the experts and they told me so much that I didn't know. If it had not been for the Bat World Sanctuary, I would have done this little guy a great disservice and may have even caused him harm. Since that day I make it my mission to make sure that every one of my students and their parents completely understand all there is to know about bats and their welfare. I am happy to say that without the Bat World Site, I would be clueless. I am happy to say that a few thousand kids are wiser in their knowledge of bats because of Amanda's tireless work. I will continue to educate people on the value and importance of bats in our world and I am grateful that Amanda and others have done so much to help me to understand BATS!
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 1, 2012
Bat World is a world renowned facility with accolades the length of an Interstate Highway. Despite the apparent delusions of Mary C., a woman who can no longer buy a car or a house or obtain a credit card because a Texas court levied a $6.1 million dollar judgment against her for her repeated malicious defamation of Bat World Sanctuary, this fine rehabilitation and conservation organization grows stronger and stronger.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
September 28, 2012
AMAZING ORGANIZATION! THEY NEED MORE THAN 5 STARS, THAT'S FOR SURE. CHECK OUT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE TO SEE THE MANY HAPPY BATS THEY HAVE RESCUED. WELL CARED FOR, LOVED AND NURTURED. THEY GET WHAT THEY NEED AT BAT WORLD.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have always been afraid of bats, but they changed my mind and changed me forever.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give them all the money they need.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
How did you learn about this organization?
August 12, 2012
I have known about Bat World Sanctuary since its founding but was unable to participate until 2010 due to military commitments oversees. What Amanda Lollar and Dottie Hyatt and others have achieved over the years on behalf of bats is nothing short of a miracle! They are very much like Dr. M. Tuttle - who started the move to conserve and preserve bats. Donating to this organization is the least any bat or animal lover can do. They do honest and good work here. NO money is used for payment to anybody. All money goes to the bats. Seriously. This is a top notch outfit here. I am proud to be a part of it. When I retire, I hope to volunteer with Bat World Sanctuary. Both Amanda and Dottie have Air Force name designators because we so appreciate what they do. Maj. S. J. Alvarado USAF, call sign Chiroptera. Treasurer: United States Armed Services Bat Advocate Personnel.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
May 5, 2012
I have been a bat conservation supporter for over 15 years and discovered Bat World in late 2011. Not only is their educational material excellent, they're also very helpful about supplying these materials en masse for distribution. Obviously, they're serious about getting the message across: bats deserve our help and the time is now! (Their adoption packages are also thoughtfully put together and beautiful.)
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
April 25, 2012
This is a great organization. Honest and truly trying to help the bat species. Which in turn will help mankind and other animals. They honestly try to spread the message of what is wrong with bats and why we all need to be very concerned. I am happy to support Bat World Sanctuary. Camilo
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
April 25, 2012
Bat World Sanctuary is a phenomenal organization dedicated to the well-being and care of a crucial species to our planet. White-nose syndrome is currently spreading in caves, decimating bats across the country, and killing these creatures that contribute so much to the food crops we consume daily. Saving bats means that crop eating pests, a mainstay in the diets of many species of bats, will be eaten by bats rather than killed by pesticides to be absorbed into crops. Saving bats means that naturally growing crops, crops not genetically engineered or altered, can be distributed by the seeds in the guano of fruit and vegetable eating bats. Bat World Sanctuary cares about saving these bats, and works hard to do just that every day.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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