Staff & Volunteers
Amanda has worked daily at Bat World Sanctuary in an unpaid position since 1994. She is an author of both scientific and popular literature about bats, including her most recent work, The Captive Care and Rehabilitation of Insectivorous Bats. Amanda has twice been nominated for the Indianapolis Prize, the world’s leading prize for conservation. In 2010 Amanda was a top 10 finalist in the Animal Planet Hero of the Year Award, and in August of 2016 Amanda received The Carol Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence. Click here to read her CV.
Amanda has worked daily at Bat World Sanctuary in an unpaid position since 1994. She is an author of both scientific and popular literature about bats, including her most recent work, The Captive Care and Rehabilitation of Insectivorous Bats.
Amanda has worked daily at Bat World Sanctuary in an unpaid position since 1994. She is an author of both scientific and popular literature about bats, including her most recent work, The Captive Care and Rehabilitation of Insectivorous Bats. Amanda has twice been nominated for the Indianapolis Prize, the world’s leading prize for conservation. In 2010 Amanda was a top 10 finalist in the Animal Planet Hero of the Year Award, and in August of 2016 Amanda received The Carol Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence. Click here to read her CV.
From a young age, Addison has always surrounded herself with animals. She grew up working with horses and rescuing dogs and small animals, oftentimes rescuing them from certain death and finding appropriate homes for them.
From a young age, Addison has always surrounded herself with animals. She grew up working with horses and rescuing dogs and small animals, oftentimes rescuing them from certain death and finding appropriate homes for them. After working in Yellowstone National Park, she found her love for bats while rescuing downed insect-eating bats in a historic lodge at the park. Her dedication to help bats and further the mission of Bat World Sanctuary (BWS) has been proven time and time again over the past several years. Addison now serves as both Executive Director and VP of BWS.
A native Texan born and raised locally, Tonda grew up caring for poultry, livestock, horses, and a pot-bellied pig that she bottle raised from birth. She currently shares her home with several dogs and cats and shares her bird feeding areas with a flock of wild turkeys that she watched grow up. Tonda holds a PhD in Information Science with an emphasis in storytelling for information transfer and is a NAI Certified Interpretive Guide. She previously taught at, and developed online courses for, the University of North Texas, where she continues to teach as an adjunct professor. Tonda tries to help any creature in need - whether wild or domestic - and she has previously worked as a veterinary technician, volunteered 6 years at her local animal shelter, and remains active providing social media and networking assistance for several local dog rescues. She was thrilled to transition from Bat World volunteer to employee where she uses her love for all creatures and our environment to rescue, care, and advocate for bats and their native ecosystems. Tonda enjoys being outdoors and photographing nature and loves spending time at the Texas coast.
A native Texan born and raised locally, Tonda grew up caring for poultry, livestock, horses, and a pot-bellied pig that she bottle raised from birth. She currently shares her home with several dogs and cats and shares her bird feeding areas with a flock of wild turkeys that she watched grow up. Tonda holds a PhD in Information Science with an emphasis in storytelling for information transfer and is a NAI Certified Interpretive Guide. She previously taught at, and developed online courses for, the University of North Texas, where she continues to teach as an adjunct professor. Tonda tries to help any creature in need – whether wild or domestic – and she has previously worked as a veterinary technician, volunteered 6 years at her local animal shelter, and remains active providing social media and networking assistance for several local dog rescues. She was thrilled to transition from Bat World volunteer to employee where she uses her love for all creatures and our environment to rescue, care, and advocate for bats and their native ecosystems. Tonda enjoys being outdoors and photographing nature and loves spending time at the Texas coast.
A native Texan born and raised locally, Tonda grew up caring for poultry, livestock, horses, and a pot-bellied pig that she bottle raised from birth. She currently shares her home with several dogs and cats and shares her bird feeding areas with a flock of wild turkeys that she watched grow up. Tonda holds a PhD in Information Science with an emphasis in storytelling for information transfer and is a NAI Certified Interpretive Guide. She previously taught at, and developed online courses for, the University of North Texas, where she continues to teach as an adjunct professor. Tonda tries to help any creature in need - whether wild or domestic - and she has previously worked as a veterinary technician, volunteered 6 years at her local animal shelter, and remains active providing social media and networking assistance for several local dog rescues. She was thrilled to transition from Bat World volunteer to employee where she uses her love for all creatures and our environment to rescue, care, and advocate for bats and their native ecosystems. Tonda enjoys being outdoors and photographing nature and loves spending time at the Texas coast.
Jessica is an alumni of the University if Texas at Arlington. She graduated with honors and is excited to use her knowledge of biology and education to further the mission of Bat World Sanctuary.
Jessica is an alumni of the University if Texas at Arlington. She graduated with honors and is excited to use her knowledge of biology and education to further the mission of Bat World Sanctuary. Jessica believes that when we learn, understand, and connect with something, we are much more likely to care and protect it. This is why she loves teaching children. Kids are innate scientists and see the world through curious eyes. Jessica believes you are never too young or too old to learn something new, whether you’re 8 or 89. Jessica is excited to share her love of bats and the environment with everyone.
Tracy is a Texas native and actually lives on the same road where Bat World is located. She has been following our Facebook page for several years and when we had an opening, she applied.
Tracy is a Texas native and actually lives on the same road where Bat World is located. She has been following our Facebook page for several years and when we had an opening, she applied. Tracy has rescued numerous animals over the years, both wild and domestic, including her elderly rescued dog Sambo. Now, after working with bats, she has fallen completely in love with them. After 30 years of service as an LVN, Tracy has now retired and loves working at Bat World Sanctuary, saying “I work with the best, most thoughtful group of folks. I love the respect that is shown all the time, to everyone and every thing. Bat World is such a blessing to bats, and to people… like me.”
Nate spent over a decade working in restaurant management before volunteering at Bat World Sanctuary and discovering his true passion, bats.
Nate spent over a decade working in restaurant management before volunteering at Bat World Sanctuary and discovering his true passion, bats. Nate has always loved animals and has always loved working in the kitchen. Volunteering with us elevated what was once a hobby into a career of affection dedicated towards enriching the lives of the sanctuary bats. Although Nate started out working in the kitchen, he has since progressed to also giving daily care to our rescued fruit bats. Nate is a hardworking, charismatic individual who is committed to giving the sanctuary bats the comfy lifestyle they deserve for the rest of their days, as well as enjoying fine dining the “bat way”.
Carrie was born and raised in Weatherford, Texas. She has a decade of experience as a kennel technician in animal hospitals and her vast knowledge of animal care is a great asset to the bats in our care. Carrie and her husband of 22 years have two grown sons, three rescued dogs, two cats and a rescued tortoise. She has always loved bats and has followed us on social media for years. Her favorite bat at the sanctuary is little Bella because she loves to fly as close to Carrie's head as possible on order to get a melon treat (which of course she always receives). Carrie's hobbies include reading, going to concerts and road trips (she has visited 25 states so far!)
Carrie was born and raised in Weatherford, Texas. She has a decade of experience as a kennel technician in animal hospitals and her vast knowledge of animal care is a great asset to the bats in our care. Carrie and her husband of 22 years have two grown sons, three rescued dogs, two cats and a rescued tortoise. She has always loved bats and has followed us on social media for years. Her favorite bat at the sanctuary is little Bella because she loves to fly as close to Carrie’s head as possible on order to get a melon treat (which of course she always receives). Carrie’s hobbies include reading, going to concerts and road trips (she has visited 25 states so far!)
Carrie was born and raised in Weatherford, Texas. She has a decade of experience as a kennel technician in animal hospitals and her vast knowledge of animal care is a great asset to the bats in our care. Carrie and her husband of 22 years have two grown sons, three rescued dogs, two cats and a rescued tortoise. She has always loved bats and has followed us on social media for years. Her favorite bat at the sanctuary is little Bella because she loves to fly as close to Carrie's head as possible on order to get a melon treat (which of course she always receives). Carrie's hobbies include reading, going to concerts and road trips (she has visited 25 states so far!)
Lis graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Computer Programming. She is an aspiring writer currently working on her first novel.
Lis graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Computer Programming. She is an aspiring writer currently working on her first novel. Lis describes one of her most meaningful experiences was a week spent tracking radio collared wolves in Minnesota; a plaster cast from the paw print of the alpha male is now one of her most prized possessions. Lis’ mother taught her a love for bats, as they had a colony in their backyard, so when viral videos of Lil Drac appeared, Lis was enchanted. This was the first time she had heard of anyone helping bats so she began to follow BWS online. Lis is fascinated with the social life of bats and may eventually become a bat rehabilitator. In the meantime, we are so grateful for her wonderful volunteer and transport work in helping us save lives!
Elizabeth lives in Fort Worth, Texas and drives over an hour each way to volunteer with BWS. She has worked a registered nurse in emergency services for over 13 years.
Elizabeth lives in Fort Worth, Texas and drives over an hour each way to volunteer with BWS. She has worked a registered nurse in emergency services for over 13 years. She mother to two daughters, Maya and Audrey, and three cats, Cactus, Hera, and Luna, as well as a gray banded king snake named Oswald. Elizabeth has always been and animal lover with a special place in her heart for the misunderstood. Elizabeth says “I came across Bat World Sanctuary videos online and began to follow them on every platform, learning as much about bats as I could. I then decided to help make a difference and volunteer. It has by far been one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made. I love knowing that I’m helping provide a quality life for bats near and far. I enjoy educating those around me about the benefits of bats and helping to diminish the fear people have about them. I hope one day to become a bat rehabilitator and continue to give my time at Bat World for many years to come.”
Julie has always loved animals and wildlife, and discovered the sanctuary after a video of Statler, our 34 year old Indian flying fox, went viral.
Julie has always loved animals and wildlife, and discovered the sanctuary after a video of Statler, our 34 year old Indian flying fox, went viral. She immediately sent in her volunteer application, and she has been with us ever since! Her childhood favorite has always been flying foxes, however, Zogi, a rescued Egyptian fruit bat, soon became her favorite. Julie attended Texas Tech University and manages her family-owned toy store. In her off time she enjoys camping, reading, and relaxing with her two rescued cats. Julie has been a wonderful addition to the Bat World volunteer team, and is always willing to lend a hand when needed.
Lauren has always loved animals and wildlife but most especially horses. She fell in love with bats when she attended an educational class given by Bat World Sanctuary when she was only eight years old.
Lauren has always loved animals and wildlife but most especially horses. She fell in love with bats when she attended an educational class given by Bat World Sanctuary when she was only eight years old. Lauren has a BS in Equestrian Science with plans continue down the path of wildlife rehabilitation with an emphasis on public education. She lives with her wonderful farrier husband, three dogs, two cats, four horses and a mule, and ten chickens with three guineas. Her favorite quote is by Steve Irwin: “If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love.” Lauren is always quick to help Bat World Sanctuary during emergency rescues as well as regularly volunteering to help with daily bat care. We are both delighted and grateful to have Lauren on the Bat World Sanctuary team!
Dr. Jarrett has been working with Bat World Sanctuary since the mid-90s. He helped us create therapies and medications that still benefit bats to this day, methods that are now being used to treat bats the world over.
Bat World Sanctuary volunteer Attorney Randy Turner has been an avid animal lover all his life. He has worked on elephant conservation in Kenya, black rhinoceros conservation in Zimbabwe, and worked extensively with ex-captive orangutans that had been confiscated by the Indonesian government, gradually re-introducing them into the wild. Randy is past Vice president of the Humane Society of North Texas, served as President of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, and chair of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (of which he was a founding member in 1996). Randy regularly defends animal rights activists and represents several animal rescue and welfare organizations, including Bat World Sanctuary. In June of 2012 Randy represented us against our cyber-stalker and won a judgment of 6.1 Million against her. Without Randy’s help, we may not have survived her vicious online attacks. We are very proud to have him as both legal counsel and a regular volunteer at Bat World Sanctuary.
Bat World Sanctuary volunteer Attorney Randy Turner has been an avid animal lover all his life. He has worked on elephant conservation in Kenya, black rhinoceros conservation in Zimbabwe, and worked extensively with ex-captive orangutans that had been confiscated by the Indonesian government, gradually re-introducing them into the wild.
Bat World Sanctuary volunteer Attorney Randy Turner has been an avid animal lover all his life. He has worked on elephant conservation in Kenya, black rhinoceros conservation in Zimbabwe, and worked extensively with ex-captive orangutans that had been confiscated by the Indonesian government, gradually re-introducing them into the wild. Randy is past Vice president of the Humane Society of North Texas, served as President of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, and chair of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (of which he was a founding member in 1996). Randy regularly defends animal rights activists and represents several animal rescue and welfare organizations, including Bat World Sanctuary. In June of 2012 Randy represented us against our cyber-stalker and won a judgment of 6.1 Million against her. Without Randy’s help, we may not have survived her vicious online attacks. We are very proud to have him as both legal counsel and a regular volunteer at Bat World Sanctuary.
Kate is a permitted wildlife rehabilitator specializing in bats, raccoons and opossums. In addition to her service as Director of Special Projects for Bat World Sanctuary, she is a founding member and board adviser of Texas Metro Wildlife Rehabilitators, supervises the activities of more than 3 dozen volunteers, and serves as the community representative on the Institutional Animal Care and Use committee at UT-Arlington.
Martin is a successful business owner and is married to Kate Rugroden, Bat World’s Director of Special Projects. Martin assists with cage building, including an outdoor flight enclosure at the Bat World Mid-cities location for orphaned bats to practice flying before release back to the wild
Martin is a successful business owner and is married to Kate Rugroden, Bat World’s Director of Special Projects. Martin assists with cage building, including an outdoor flight enclosure at the Bat World Mid-cities location for orphaned bats to practice flying before release back to the wild.
Besides volunteering for Bat World Sanctuary with transports, animal care, errands, fundraising and education programs, Martin has also volunteered with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at major fundraising events.
John holds degrees in ICSA (Corporate Law, Governance, risk and compliance) from his native England and Computer Science gained in the United States.
John holds degrees in ICSA (Corporate Law, Governance, risk and compliance) from his native England and Computer Science gained in the United States. He volunteered his bat house skill for the specialty houses needed for the wild bat colony in Mineral Wells to ease their transition to new locations. John assisted in the largest urban rescue of bats in Fort Worth history when Bat World Sanctuary was called in to rescue over 1,200 free-tailed bats that were trapped in a 3 story sub basement in downtown Fort Worth. His effort in scouring all floors and cellars for trapped bats enabled Bat World to save hundreds more lives.
Dottie volunteers as Bat World’s Director of Planning, assisting with new projects, educational outreach, workshops, grant writing, editing and annual reports and much, much more.
Dottie volunteers as Bat World’s Director of Planning, assisting with new projects, educational outreach, workshops, grant writing, editing and annual reports and much, much more. Dottie has also worked very closely with specialty veterinarians – Emergency & Critical Care, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Toxicology, Dermatology, and Internal Medicine to advance veterinary knowledge about bats. She was responsible for the general care and feeding of over 20 manatees when she worked for the USDA in Florida, which is how she and Amanda Lollar first met many years ago. Dottie is also the author of Lil Drac, A Tribute to the Tiny Bat Who Rocked a Million Hearts.
Larry, husband of Amanda Lollar (Founder of BWS), is a mechanical engineer, designer, and a friend to animals of all species. He has been interested in bats since learning of their intelligence and curiosity in 2001 when he first met Amanda.
Larry, husband of Amanda Lollar (Founder of BWS), is a mechanical engineer, designer, and a friend to animals of all species. He has been interested in bats since learning of their intelligence and curiosity in 2001 when he first met Amanda. Larry has assisted in many areas of Bat World’s operation including blueprint/design, bat rescuer, grounds keeper, errand runner, transport volunteer and treat giver. Larry says that although he never thought there was much validity in any of the traditional bat myths, he had no idea that bats were so invaluable to the environment, so socially interactive, so intelligent and wonderfully efficient in what they do in life.
Amanda has worked daily at Bat World Sanctuary in an unpaid position since 1994. She is an author of both scientific and popular literature about bats, including her most recent work, The Captive Care and Rehabilitation of Insectivorous Bats.
Amanda has worked daily at Bat World Sanctuary in an unpaid position since 1994. She is an author of both scientific and popular literature about bats, including her most recent work, The Captive Care and Rehabilitation of Insectivorous Bats. Amanda has twice been nominated for the Indianapolis Prize, the world’s leading prize for conservation. In 2010 Amanda was a top 10 finalist in the Animal Planet Hero of the Year Award, and in August of 2016 Amanda received The Carol Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence. Click here to read her CV.