Bat World Sanctuary

CRITICAL NEED:

A large and fast-moving wildfire (dubbed the Ross Fire), is burning approximately 15 miles from Bat World Sanctuary. It is a powerful reminder of how quickly a wildfire can threaten a community. While Bat World Sanctuary is currently safe, we know that conditions can change rapidly, and we want to be as prepared as possible. We already have a comprehensive evacuation plan in place for all of our sanctuary animals should we ever need to leave, however, rebuilding the sanctuary would take up to a year, and the bats would be forced to remain in smaller and unfamiliar enclosures until then. 

Because of this, the only feasible option is to protect the sanctuary itself. All of our sanctuary buildings are constructed with metal framing and metal exteriors, providing an important layer of protection. We also have a system in place called Barricade Fire Gel. Unfortunately, it has proven cumbersome to deploy when time is critical. We have purchased rooftop sprinkler systems that can help protect our structures during a wildfire but the effect isn’t guaranteed. 

Because metal buildings buckle under the extreme heat of a fire, we need your help to take our rooftop sprinkler protection even further. We want to apply a thin stone veneer to the sanctuary building walls. Working in conjunction with the rooftop sprinklers, it will offer significant protection from fire. In a wildfire, massive thermal radiation can warp and buckle standard corrugated metal siding before flames even touch it. Real natural stone absorbs and diffuses this extreme heat and is completely non-combustible. As a plus, adding a natural stone veneer to the sanctuary walls will offer critical protection during tornados. This is not something we ever expected to need, but the reality of increasingly severe wildfires and tornadoes in our area means we cannot afford to wait until a disaster ends up on our doorstep. While we are gathering estimates now, the cost is likely to run over $250,000.

Every dollar donated will help us strengthen our ability to protect the sanctuary and the over 750 animals who call it home.

ABOUT US:

Your support allows us to continue our critical work for bats around the world. Give the gift of life to help us continue providing a second chance to bats in need, like those seen in our Grand Tour video below. Thank you for helping us help them. ❤️