Our
Story

Bat Rescue Inc. is a non-profit volunteer organisation based on the Sunshine Coast in South-East Queensland, Australia.

Our members are permitted to care for sick, injured and orphaned flying-foxes and microbats under the auspices of Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science (DES).

ABOUT US

OUR LOCATION

Established on the Sunshine Coast in 2002, Bat Rescue Inc. was South-East Queensland’s first bat-specific care group. 

Bat Rescue Inc. operates across the Sunshine Coast, with a number of long-distance members also active in Ipswich, Brisbane, Bribie Island, Gympie, Gold Coast and Fraser Coast. 

Two other bat-specific groups now also operate in South-east Qld, and both of these groups originated from members of Bat Rescue sub-branches in Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Lockyer Valley regions.

WHAT WE DO

The aims of the organisation are:

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Prompt rescue of sick, injured and orphaned flying-foxes and microbats
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Rehabilitation and release of bats back to the wild
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To provide education and information to the general public
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Active conservation of bats and their habitat
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The promotion of bats as an important part of our ecology

Bat rehabilitation is recognised as a unique branch of wildlife caring as vaccination against Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) is required prior to handling bats. There are other aspects to rehabilitating bats and hand-raising orphans that require specialised training.

Our 24/7 rescue service is provided free of charge by our trained and vaccinated volunteers to attend to animals in distress in a timely manner.  This is a vitally important community service as it reduces the risk of ABL exposure to members of the public.

Conservation Work

A number of major projects have been undertaken over the years, often in partnership with other organisations.  Read about our conservation projects here.

Education

Bat Rescue Inc. attend a number of display days and educational events throughout the year to help promote bats as an important part of our ecosystem. Volunteers are also provided training every year from beginner level to advanced. It is a requirement of our permit that members attend training days and keep up-to-date on current best practice in caring for bats.

Community Recognition

Bat Rescue is proud to have received community recognition for our activities, including two Gold Gecko Awards from Gold Coast & Hinterland Environment Council. The “Biddy Gear Award” was received from the Wildlife Preservation Society (Gold Coast & Hinterland Branch) for habitat restoration, rescue and rehabilitation, public awareness campaigns and initiatives and partnership with electricity supplier ENERGEX.
If you would like to become a carer or financial (support) member of Bat Rescue Inc., more information can be found here