3rd February 2014
Age: Approximately 4 to 10 weeks Sex: Unknown Weight: 100gms to 200gms
Found: At the majority of Flying Fox Camps across South East Queensland.
Transported to: To the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after being rescued by groups of vaccinated rehabilitators and Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital staff from the trees and on the ground in the camps.
Veterinary Assessment: All the vets from the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital treated the bats. The young bats were all suffering from various degrees of dehydration, many suffering the effects of heat stress and starvation. Injuries were found on several of the bats from where they had fallen, without having their mothers assistance.
Treatment: Subcutaneous fluids was the primary treatment. This was repeated multiple times over the following 24hrs to assist with rehydrating the bats.
Outcome: As there were so many bats orphaned during the "Heat Event", rehabilitators and rehabilitation facilities are overwhelmed. Literally hundreds of babies are being cared for by dedicated people across South East Queensland including Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital staff.
AZWH Fact: Flying Foxes are very susceptible to extremes of weather. Flying Foxes do not have the ability to sweat to cool themselves, in temperatures above 38 degrees they are in danger of dying from heat stress. Tens of thousands died in our recent heat wave. In extremely hot weather, leave out water bowls in shady areas where wildlife can access but still be safe from potential danger (eg dogs/cats).
Found: At the majority of Flying Fox Camps across South East Queensland.
Transported to: To the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after being rescued by groups of vaccinated rehabilitators and Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital staff from the trees and on the ground in the camps.
Veterinary Assessment: All the vets from the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital treated the bats. The young bats were all suffering from various degrees of dehydration, many suffering the effects of heat stress and starvation. Injuries were found on several of the bats from where they had fallen, without having their mothers assistance.
Treatment: Subcutaneous fluids was the primary treatment. This was repeated multiple times over the following 24hrs to assist with rehydrating the bats.
Outcome: As there were so many bats orphaned during the "Heat Event", rehabilitators and rehabilitation facilities are overwhelmed. Literally hundreds of babies are being cared for by dedicated people across South East Queensland including Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital staff.
AZWH Fact: Flying Foxes are very susceptible to extremes of weather. Flying Foxes do not have the ability to sweat to cool themselves, in temperatures above 38 degrees they are in danger of dying from heat stress. Tens of thousands died in our recent heat wave. In extremely hot weather, leave out water bowls in shady areas where wildlife can access but still be safe from potential danger (eg dogs/cats).
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