There really should be a flash of lightning and crash of thunder to accompany International Bat Night which takes place in a few weeks, (27th August - Saturday night into Sunday morning).

Bats may not be top of everyone’s thoughts in the “cute fluffy” stakes, but after being introduced to our amazing (and quite fluffy) giant fruit bats, we’re very proud to have converted lots of people to how wonderful bats are.

At the zoo, we’re big fans of new things: new research and introducing visitors to amazing new animals and challenges. So why not take a walk on the wild side and discover a different view of bats on this special weekend?

We are holding a special event to celebrate all things bat!

During the day on the 27th they’ll be keeper talks in the tropical hall as well as areas for children to make bat-related crafts and build bat boxes to take home.

We are lucky enough to be joined by a native bat rehabilitator who’ll be bringing literature on a bat charity as well as detecting equipment.

Later, in the evening the zoo will reopen giving visitors a rare chance to see the bats at night.

There will be bat walks around the site (with bat detectors) and a BBQ.

Making up 25% of all mammal species, there are over 1,400 species of bat worldwide, with more still being discovered.

Sometimes called ‘flying mice’, bats are actually more closely related to humans than they are to mice.

Reassuringly 100% vegetarian, the zoo’s free-flying Rodrigues’ flying foxes do just as much life-supporting pollination worldwide as bees.

We love them, and our “bat family” are descended from the very first mammals Dave and Jo introduced to the zoo exactly 30 years ago.

Natural pest-controllers, all 18 species of British bat eat insects, helping prevent damage to crops and the spread of certain diseases.

Sadly, many are endangered, and need our help by reducing pesticides and protecting habitats.

Go to the International Bat Night or Bat Conservation Trust websites, and you’ll find out lots of guided bat walks and activities to do on the weekend if you aren’t able to join us.