A living bat!Toronto Zoo’s newest winged arrival recovers after traumatic birth

In late January, Jessica, an African straw-colored flying fox, gave birth. At 18 years old (life expectancy for this species), she was one of the oldest straw-colored flying foxes to give birth in human care. As a result of her advanced age and the puppy’s weight, Jessica, who weighs one-sixth of a 300-gram body weight, was severely injured after giving birth.She has a very low chance of recovery due to the serious nature of her injury. was humanely euthanized. The zoo’s African rainforest team quickly intervened and began hand-rearing the pup, named Jessie after her mother. He received his round-the-clock care, which included feeding him every four hours. The zoo’s nutrition team has designed a special formula freshly prepared every 24 hours just for him. Artificial breeding, such as Jessie’s, is done with the goal of returning the animal to its original social group when ready. After becoming stronger and more independent, Jesse returns to the bat colony and is slowly introduced over time to ensure his safety. It is important to simulate what the He is also comfortable with tactile stimulation and seems to be enjoyed by little bats. The zookeeper created a “sock mama” for him while he was in the incubator. Luckily, the zoo recently welcomed another straw-colored flying fox cub, and the mother and cub seem to be doing well. So when Jesse is introduced to the colony a few months after he grows up, he will have a little companion. Straw-colored flying foxes are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, and the Toronto Zoo participates in his AZA Straw-colored flying fox species survival program. Female and neutered male bats, previously observed in “caves and burrows” habitats (now moved to multifaith spaces), with the aim of increasing the zoo’s populations, were rescued last year by the crested ibis. was moved to a larger aviary above its habitat. At the African Rainforest Pavilion, where the intact male lived for several years. This location provides access to a natural light cycle, additional flight space, and is more visible to the public.