It is unknown exactly how this tiny baby bat ended up being abandoned, orphaned, and without her mother at the age of only a few days. She located the most suitable supporter.
The baby bat was provided the sanctuary. She so urgently needed at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in South Africa.
Even though the baby bat is about the size of a finger, taking care of her is no easy chore. Lourens assumes the role of Mom, making sure the little bat gets all the nutrients she needs. This requires feeding sessions every hour, around-the-clock.
The newborn bat is fed by Lourens using a cosmetic sponge that has been drenched in milk.
As if caring for the newborn didn’t already require great commitment and attention, she wouldn’t be the only patient like her for very long.
Lourens also accepted two other infants who had been spared a short time after the bat arrived at the hospital. She is now quite busy.
These three infants are merely the tip of the iceberg, though.
Around this time each year, Lourens and her colleagues take care of hundreds of baby bats who have been found abandoned in the wild.
Lourens believes that helping the tiny, flying infants has been absolutely rewarding.
“I love bats.”They are essential to the environment, according to Lourens. Even though I am quite worn out from not getting enough sleep, it is really rewarding to see them develop.
