Australia Zoo Gear Up for Flying Fox Trauma Season

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: August 17, 2021 2:20 pm

A group of the little red flying foxes which are currently being cared for at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital are preparing for flying fox trauma season with an influx of little red flying foxes recently being brought to the hospital from a local camp.

Fifteen little red flying fox pups are being cared for at the hospital after their mothers fled the camp due to human disruptions. This left the juveniles alone and vulnerable meaning they needed care.

Carers at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital look after the little red flying foxes at the wildlife hospital

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

“The older generation of little red flying foxes abandoned their babies who were too young to be left alone, after their roosting site was disturbed by humans. Still being dependent on milk and warmth, the babies needed to be rescued,” said Dr. Ludovica Valenza, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Supervisor.

“Sadly, there is an ongoing conflict between bats and human beings whereby bats are perceived as dangerous. For this reason, these animals are often scared by loud noises, smoke and occasionally inhumane methods that displace them from their habitat,” Dr. Valenza said.

“Such methods are shown to be ineffective as bats will simply fly to other areas to roost, some of these locations often being parks or recreational zones,” she said.

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On arrival at the wildlife hospital the little red flying foxes were examined by the specialist veterinarians. Unfortunately a number of the little red flying foxes had traumatic injuries or were diagnosed with pneumonia. They will require fluids and rest to regain their strength. Unfortunately for a number their injuries were too severe and they have to be humanely euthanized.

The remaining bats will receive care at the hospital before being moved to dedicated wildlife carers who will raise them until old enough so they can be released to the wild.

“Without receiving lifesaving treatment and care from our team at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and the dedicated carers, these precious animals would have been left vulnerable in the wild with many threats surrounding them,” said Terri Irwin, Founder of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.

Trauma season sees numbers of flying foxes requiring care increase massively. During this time they are moving around more as they seek water, a mate and the young begin to explore.

A little red flying fox sucks on an artificial teat at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

Bats are important due to their role in the environment as pollinators of native trees and shrubs. They travel to find nectar on native trees.

Their numbers are being decreased through habitat loss and development for housing, entanglement in bared wire and electrocutions on power lines.

“To help these sadly misunderstood creatures, everyone can play their part to ensure the protection and survival of this species. This can easily be achieved by using alternatives to barbed wire, preventing the cutting down of trees, and encouraging habitat protection and regeneration,” Irwin said.