News

A few weeks ago, we relocated our Livingstone's fruit bats following the diagnosis of Pasteurellosis in the colony. We moved the colony from the Island Bat Roost and separated the bats into smaller groups behind the scenes at the zoo to prevent further spread amongst them.  

The bats are adjusting well to their temporary homes, and our dedicated keepers and veterinary team continue to closely monitor them. We're very pleased to report that there have been no deaths from Pasteurella since we relocated the bats and that the intensive treatment courses have taken rapid effect. Excitingly, we have also welcomed 8 bat pup births*! Alongside their mothers, all are doing well.

We are collaborating on the production of a vaccine to protect our bat colony into the future. An external company is currently developing the vaccine, and it's a first for captive fruit bats. As with any new process, it involves working through things systematically and thoroughly.  

Now that the bats have settled and are safe, we are working through the options for getting them back on view to the public. We will keep you posted on this and the vaccine once we have more news. 

*This number was originally reported as 12 but, for clarity, we lost four pups shortly after their births. Whilst sad, this is not unusual as it is normal that a percentage of newborn bat pups don’t survive past the first 72 hours.