Bats within reach

Last Saturday (August 30, 2025), bats fluttered mysteriously over the forum natura nature experience center: as part of the international Bat Night, around 35 curious visitors immersed themselves in the exciting world of bats - including a pleasing number of children, who of course were particularly wide-eyed.

It all started with craft scissors and colored pencils: The materials provided by Eurobats were used to create imaginative bat masks and colorful postcards - the perfect way to get in the mood before things got "really bat-y".

Gaetano Fichera from the Bat Foundation then took over. In a captivating presentation, he introduced the guests to the nocturnal flying artists - from secret hunting strategies to amazing flight maneuvers. And then came the highlight: a real, small common noctule bat could be admired at close range. As it was a tame hand-reared animal, it remained calmly seated and seemed to enjoy its appearance - the children in particular were completely enthralled.

An excursion with bat detectors was actually planned, but the bats had their own ideas: Pipistrelle bats were hunting so diligently for insects directly above the site that the group simply stayed put. Some of the animals flew just a few centimeters above the heads of the visitors - thrills included.

This made Bat Night an unforgettable experience for young and old alike, where not only the bats, but also the enthusiasm of the participants was inspiring.