Bats are often depicted in horror movies as blood-sucking creatures close to the image of a vampire.
In reality, though, bats are gentle animals that play an essential part in the ecosystem.
Another piece of trivia about bats is that not all of them are nocturnal. There are about a dozen bat species that are diurnal or active during day time. Bats are also the only mammals from the animal kingdom that actually fly.
These are just among the many interesting facts about bats.
But nobody said they could also act like dogs.
Everyone, meet Eddie the bat.
Eddie is a baby Flying Fox from the Megabat family. Naturally, as a baby, he would just hold onto his mom during hunting or feeding time.
Unfortunately, he fell down while his mother was flying around because he didn’t have enough strength since he was a premature baby.
Thankfully, he was found by some kindhearted workers on the pavement at a theme.
Eddie was then surrendered to a wildlife hospital for medical care and soon, the baby bat was transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Gold Coast, Australia that mainly focuses on bats.
That’s also the time when he fell into the loving arms of her carer, Rhi, who works as a volunteer rescuer.
Eddie and Rhi instantly made that beautiful connection.
In order to survive, Eddie had to be in his own special incubator and had to be bottle-fed every three to four hours every single day.
Eddie formed a special bond with Rhi whom he perceived as his biological mother.
He was so affectionate to his carer that he even memorized Rhi’s voice. Whenever he’s being called, Eddie also seems to know what his name is.
Knowing that bats are a very emotional type of animal, Rhi unhesitatingly gave Eddie all the love in the world.
At some point, Eddie showed some pup-like attitude.
Eddie loves to be petted and would always ask for belly rubs from Rhi. He’d even protest and get jealous whenever Rhi gives other bats some love.
But as he grew, the weak baby bat before started to grow bigger and stronger.
Together with other rescued bats, Eddie began developing legs and core strength. He also practiced his ability to fly at the facility’s flight aviary where they do soft release on bats.
In the flight aviary, bats are allowed to freely stay for as long as they want or need until they decide to fly free into the wild.
It took Eddie approximately five weeks before he said goodbye to Rhi.
According to Rhi, it took Eddie about a week before he was able to go off completely and he hasn’t come back since then.
“It’s so hard releasing them because you just have to let go of the control knowing they’re going to be okay and having a little faith that you’ve done the right thing, you’ve taught them enough to survive out there,” Rhi emotionally said. “Every time I see a bat flying out at night time, I wonder if it’s Eddie.”
Saying “goodbye” truly is one of the hardest things to do. Fly strong and free, Eddie!
Learn more about this beautiful story by watching the video below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
