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.
Natalie is a graphic artist who was born and raised in Texas, but never stayed in one place for too long. Even as an adult, she traveled the world, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and France. She had her first real experience with bats in Europe, when a colony of bats flew around her as she enjoyed an evening picnic. Natalie has been an animal lover since childhood, but her favorite animal has always been bats. Her role model growing up was Jane Goodall, and when she had an opportunity to work alongside the "Jane Goodall of bats", she accepted it in a heartbeat. Natalie has now settled down in Texas with her loving husband and two cats, and has decided to dedicate her life to caring for bats.
Natalie is a graphic artist, a certified yoga instructor and a volunteer with the The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She was born and raised in Texas, but never stayed in one place for too long. She has traveled the world, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and France. She had her first real experience with bats in Europe, when a colony of bats flew around her as she enjoyed an evening picnic. Natalie has been an animal lover since childhood, but her favorite animal has always been bats. Her role model growing up was Jane Goodall, and when she had an opportunity to work alongside the “Jane Goodall of bats”, she accepted it in a heartbeat. Natalie has now settled down in Texas with her loving husband and two cats, and has decided to dedicate her life to caring for bats.
Natalie is a graphic artist, a certified yoga instructor and a volunteer with the The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She was born and raised in Texas, but never stayed in one place for too long. She has traveled the world, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and France. She had her first real experience with bats in Europe, when a colony of bats flew around her as she enjoyed an evening picnic. Natalie has been an animal lover since childhood, but her favorite animal has always been bats. Her role model growing up was Jane Goodall, and when she had an opportunity to work alongside the "Jane Goodall of bats", she accepted it in a heartbeat. Natalie has now settled down in Texas with her loving husband and two cats, and has decided to dedicate her life to caring for bats.
Anna was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She has always had a passion for rescuing and taking care of animals, working in the past as a dog trainer and groomer. Anna spent her childhood working with all kinds of animals, including alpacas. In her spare time Anna likes to practice aerial arts, which she has been professionally doing for over a year. Today she shares her home with two rescued dogs, Rusty and Flipper, as well as Dexter, her rescued cat. Her dream has always been to work in wildlife rescue, so she was thrilled to find Bat World Sanctuary after moving to Texas!
Anna was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She has always had a passion for rescuing and taking care of animals, working in the past as a dog trainer and groomer. Anna spent her childhood working with all kinds of animals, including alpacas. In her spare time Anna likes to practice aerial arts, which she has been professionally doing for over a year. Today she shares her home with two rescued dogs, Rusty and Flipper, as well as Dexter, her rescued cat. Her dream has always been to work in wildlife rescue, so she was thrilled to find Bat World Sanctuary after moving to Texas!
Anna was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She has always had a passion for rescuing and taking care of animals, working in the past as a dog trainer and groomer. Anna spent her childhood working with all kinds of animals, including alpacas. In her spare time Anna likes to practice aerial arts, which she has been professionally doing for over a year. Today she shares her home with two rescued dogs, Rusty and Flipper, as well as Dexter, her rescued cat. Her dream has always been to work in wildlife rescue, so she was thrilled to find Bat World Sanctuary after moving to Texas!
Lourdes Gonzales was born in Mexico and moved to Texas when she was 21. For the past 30 years, she worked in the cleaning service industry as well as the restaurant business. Lourdes has three grown boys, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren! Her furred children include a rescued dog named Roxy, as well as Roxy's daughter, Elise - and a rescued cat named Susie, and Susie's daughter, Luna. Lourdes loves all animals and the bats are no exception. She goes the extra mile in giving the elderly bats gentle massages and soothing words; they completely light up when she cares for them. Lourdes can work circles around all of us and is an invaluable member of our team!
Lourdes Gonzales was born in Mexico and moved to Texas when she was 21. For the past 30 years, she worked in the cleaning service industry as well as the restaurant business. Lourdes has three grown boys, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren! Her furred children include a rescued dog named Roxy, as well as Roxy’s daughter, Elise – and a rescued cat named Susie, and Susie’s daughter, Luna. Lourdes loves all animals and the bats are no exception. She goes the extra mile in giving the elderly bats gentle massages and soothing words; they completely light up when she cares for them. Lourdes can work circles around all of us and is an invaluable member of our team!
Lourdes Gonzales was born in Mexico and moved to Texas when she was 21. For the past 30 years, she worked in the cleaning service industry as well as the restaurant business. Lourdes has three grown boys, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren! Her furred children include a rescued dog named Roxy, as well as Roxy's daughter, Elise - and a rescued cat named Susie, and Susie's daughter, Luna. Lourdes loves all animals and the bats are no exception. She goes the extra mile in giving the elderly bats gentle massages and soothing words; they completely light up when she cares for them. Lourdes can work circles around all of us and is an invaluable member of our team!
Katelyn Campbell was born and raised in the Dallas, Texas area and has always had a passion for animal rescue and children. In 2018, she traveled to China on a Missionary trip to teach English to Chinese Students. Katelyn shares her home with three rescued pets, a dog named Luna, a parrot named Kiwi and a cat named Okie. Little Okie was rescued from a petting zoo where she was found emaciated and in dire need of help. Today, Okie is happy and healthy! Katelyn has always had a love for bats, which was amplified after she saved a Mexican free-tail in 2022 and brought the bat to us for help. She quickly fell in love with the bats, and joined our team the following year!
Katelyn Campbell was born and raised in the Dallas, Texas area and has always had a passion for animal rescue and children. In 2018, she traveled to China on a Missionary trip to teach English to Chinese Students. Katelyn shares her home with three rescued pets, a dog named Luna, a parrot named Kiwi and a cat named Okie. Little Okie was rescued from a petting zoo where she was found emaciated and in dire need of help. Today, Okie is happy and healthy! Katelyn has always had a love for bats, which was amplified after she saved a Mexican free-tail in 2022 and brought the bat to us for help. She quickly fell in love with the bats, and joined our team the following year!
Katelyn Campbell was born and raised in the Dallas, Texas area and has always had a passion for animal rescue and children. In 2018, she traveled to China on a Missionary trip to teach English to Chinese Students. Katelyn shares her home with three rescued pets, a dog named Luna, a parrot named Kiwi and a cat named Okie. Little Okie was rescued from a petting zoo where she was found emaciated and in dire need of help. Today, Okie is happy and healthy! Katelyn has always had a love for bats, which was amplified after she saved a Mexican free-tail in 2022 and brought the bat to us for help. She quickly fell in love with the bats, and joined our team the following year!
Ava is Texas born but raised in the hills of Kentucky, near Mammoth Cave Parks. She spent her childhood around all types of animals, from horses, snakes, wolves, birds, and other wildlife. Ava later returned to Texas to further her education in animals sciences. She had a goal of becoming a veterinary assistant but when a position at Bat World opened up, she jumped at the opportunity. Ava fell completely in love with bats and loves her position as bat caregiver. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, three rescued Great Danes and a senior pit bull.
Ava is Texas born but raised in the hills of Kentucky, near Mammoth Cave Parks. She spent her childhood around all types of animals, from horses, snakes, wolves, birds, and other wildlife. Ava later returned to Texas to further her education in animals sciences. She had a goal of becoming a veterinary assistant but when a position at Bat World opened up, she jumped at the opportunity. Ava fell completely in love with bats and loves her position as bat caregiver. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, three rescued Great Danes and a senior pit bull.
Ava is Texas born but raised in the hills of Kentucky, near Mammoth Cave Parks. She spent her childhood around all types of animals, from horses, snakes, wolves, birds, and other wildlife. Ava later returned to Texas to further her education in animals sciences. She had a goal of becoming a veterinary assistant but when a position at Bat World opened up, she jumped at the opportunity. Ava fell completely in love with bats and loves her position as bat caregiver. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, three rescued Great Danes and a senior pit bull.
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’s 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.
Gone but never forgotten...
Major Lollar was Bat World Sanctuary's very first volunteer and an avid financial supporter. He was instrumental in getting Bat World off of the ground decades ago. He generously built all of the original flight caging and rehabilitation caging for Bat World. He constructed the educational displays for the facility's picture windows, built over 200 bat houses which were sold across the US. Twenty bat houses were mounted in the downtown area of Mineral Wells, Texas, the original home of Bat World Sanctuary. He loved farming and gardening, and devoted several acres of his land to planting melons and other fruits, which he harvested and cut into bite-sized pieces for the bats. The fruit was then bagged and frozen so the bats would have fresh fruit all winter long without any burdensome food bills for out-of-season fruit. He was an extraordinarily kind man who loved all kinds of animals, and would drive to the market to collect and then deliver the then 80 pounds of bananas needed each week for the fruit bats.
Major Lollar was a highly decorated soldier; serving in WWII and twice in Vietnam, both in the Marines and the Army. He was one of the first soldiers to serve on the front lines in Vietnam. Among his many medals he was honored with the distinguished Flying Cross for manning an unarmed helicopter and chasing away Vietcong who outnumbered and were advancing on trapped U.S. troops. Three unarmed helicopters were dispatched to pick up troops. Heavy fire drove two of the helicopters to retreat. Alone, Major Lollar aggressively flew in, and using his helicopter blades as a weapon, kept the Vietcong at bay to allow the other two helicopters to land and retrieve our troops.
On his last trip to the hospital, upon waking, the first thing he asked Amanda was, “Howare the bats?” You will be sorely missed by all, Major. We owe you a debt of gratitude forthe life we all enjoy.
Major Lollar passed away Friday, November 16, 2012 and was buried on Tuesday, November 20 with full military honors. He was preceded in death by wife Gladys Lollar, who passed away December 18, 1993. Bat World Sanctuary is dedicated in her Memory
Major Lollar was a highly decorated soldier; serving in WWII and twice in Vietnam, both in the Marines and the Army. He was one of the first soldiers to serve on the front lines in Vietnam. Among his many medals he was honored with the distinguished Flying Cross for manning an unarmed helicopter and chasing away Vietcong who outnumbered and were advancing on trapped U.S. troops. Three unarmed helicopters were dispatched to pick up troops. Heavy fire drove two of the helicopters to retreat. Alone, Major Lollar aggressively flew in, and using his helicopter blades as a weapon, kept the Vietcong at bay to allow the other two helicopters to land and retrieve our troops.
We lost a shining star, David Naranjo, March 29, 2018 in a tragic car accident. Although David was only with us for 6 months, little by little, that undeniable light that he had shining from within grew with each passing day; a light that touched the soul of those who knew him. David’s tenderness with the animals that gravitated towards him was tangible; his expressive face would beam at the opportunity to gain more knowledge about the bats, and they thrived in his care as he embraced them for all that they are.
David was 6’9” tall and we use to laugh together at how his extraordinary height made him even more perfect for the job because he could reach any bat without a ladder. David physically towered over others but most of all he soared to heights of humanity that most of us can only dream of attaining. Many young people these days seem to only talk-the-talk, but David walked-the-walk without speaking a word. He was brilliant, yet he was humble; he was gentle, but so very strong; he was dedicated, kind and talented. In the short time we were privileged to know him, we feel that we had barely scratched the surface of the greatness he possessed.
David ~ We can still hear your laughter and feel your presence. We miss you so much dear, sweet David. May you always travel on the wings of the bats that you loved so much.
David’s tenderness with the animals that gravitated towards him was tangible; his expressive face would beam at the opportunity to gain more knowledge about the bats, and they thrived in his care as he embraced them for all that they are.
We lost a shining star, David Naranjo, March 29, 2018 in a tragic car accident. Although David was only with us for 6 months, little by little, that undeniable light that he had shining from within grew with each passing day; a light that touched the soul of those who knew him. David’s tenderness with the animals that gravitated towards him was tangible; his expressive face would beam at the opportunity to gain more knowledge about the bats, and they thrived in his care as he embraced them for all that they are.
David was 6’9” tall and we use to laugh together at how his extraordinary height made him even more perfect for the job because he could reach any bat without a ladder. David physically towered over others but most of all he soared to heights of humanity that most of us can only dream of attaining. Many young people these days seem to only talk-the-talk, but David walked-the-walk without speaking a word. He was brilliant, yet he was humble; he was gentle, but so very strong; he was dedicated, kind and talented. In the short time we were privileged to know him, we feel that we had barely scratched the surface of the greatness he possessed.
David ~ We can still hear your laughter and feel your presence. We miss you so much dear, sweet David. May you always travel on the wings of the bats that you loved so much.
Denise came to Bat World Sanctuary in the late 90s to volunteer for a week. She and our founder, Amanda Lollar, became immediate friends, and that friendship lasted over two decades. After volunteering, she and Amanda created Bat World Bootcamp, a week long workshop on the rehabilitation of insectivorous bats. Denise had excellent organizational skills. Thanks to her, the workshop was a huge success and soon attracted wildlife care professionals from around the world. Denise lived in Florida, and every summer she would drive over 20 hours to Texas to stay at Bat World to help instruct. She loved red bats most of all - her nickname for them was "The Beautifuls". Denise had a magical connection with red bats. Even the most severe cases, that were not expected to live, would thrive in her care. Denise actively contributed to the AZA husbandry guidelines and was the former co-chair the Florida Bat Working Group. She presented at professional and scientific symposiums, instructed multiple workshops, including multiple intensive week-long workshops relative to the rehabilitation, husbandry and captive care of insectivorous bats and frugivorous bats. She also authored various articles and chapters relative to bat husbandry and captive care. In 2003, Denise appeared on the David Letterman show with Bat World Sanctuary. She can be seen at 6:40 in the video
Rest in Peace, beautiful Denise. May you fly with the wings of the bats that you loved so very much.
In Loving Memory of Denise Tomlinson.
Denise was an avid bat rehabilitator and biologist. She has bravely battled a brain tumor for the last three years.
Denise came to Bat World Sanctuary in the late 90s to volunteer for a week. She and our founder, Amanda Lollar, became immediate friends, and that friendship lasted over two decades. After volunteering, she and Amanda created Bat World Bootcamp, a week long workshop on the rehabilitation of insectivorous bats. Denise had excellent organizational skills. Thanks to her, the workshop was a huge success and soon attracted wildlife care professionals from around the world. Denise lived in Florida, and every summer she would drive over 20 hours to Texas to stay at Bat World to help instruct. She loved red bats most of all - her nickname for them was "The Beautifuls". Denise had a magical connection with red bats. Even the most severe cases, that were not expected to live, would thrive in her care. Denise actively contributed to the AZA husbandry guidelines and was the former co-chair the Florida Bat Working Group. She presented at professional and scientific symposiums, instructed multiple workshops, including multiple intensive week-long workshops relative to the rehabilitation, husbandry and captive care of insectivorous bats and frugivorous bats. She also authored various articles and chapters relative to bat husbandry and captive care. In 2003, Denise appeared on the David Letterman show with Bat World Sanctuary. She can be seen at 6:40 in the video
Rest in Peace, beautiful Denise. May you fly with the wings of the bats that you loved so very much.