Jersey Zoo is due to lose its iconic bat population after more than 30 years because repairing its 800m2 tunnel would cost the organisation a “seven-figure sum”, it emerged today.
Durrell made the shock announcement through a video posted on social media, in which it was explained that its Livingstone’s fruit bat colony – currently the world’s largest captive group – had been living in temporary housing, split into four groups, following a pasteurella outbreak earlier this year meant they had to be removed from public display.
While the bats have been “synonymous” with the Zoo for years, having first joined Durrell in 1992, they said that new homes were now being sought for the bats, which are likely to be split into small groups.
Curator of Mammals, Ben Matthews, said it was a “sad decision”, but that the bat tunnel would need to rebuilt for “at least seven figures”.
He added “Our focus is always on ensuring the very best welfare of the animals. And as we reach six months of the bats being in temporary accommodation, we are now being proactive.
“Finding new homes for these precious bats will take many months, and that is why we’ve made this decision now – to give us plenty of time to seek other suitable holders.”
He didn’t exclude bringing bats back eventually, saying Durrell would welcome them back “if and when the opportunity arises in the future”.
The decision was in the bats’ best interest, according to Associate Veterinary Officer Dave Houston, who said the decision had been “a very difficult one” but that it was “in the interests of our bats and the continued conservation of the species globally”.
Mammal Keeper Nicola Shaw said that she felt it was the “right decision” for the bats, adding: “We need to put them first.”