IreneIsaacsonPhotography

Watch as Irene tries to put bat-loving foliage ('browse') into the bat flight aviary in the pouring rain. Despite the heavy and cold rain, the bats just can't get to it fast enough. And Jackie, the cutest of little red flying foxes just has to go along for a ride. Well, it's not an easy job with rain, free riders, and eager bats chasing you for the foliage. But, it's just another day working in Mandi's bat aviary! FLYING FOX FOOD Most people think bats or flying foxes only eat our backyard fruit or fruit in our commercial orchards. But they don't. In fact, their natural food is pollen and nectar from over 100 species of native Australian trees and vines. They can eat the flowers and sometimes leaves of eucalypt, lily pilly, paperbark, and turpentine trees. When native foods are scarce, particularly during drought, bats only then may supplement this diet by eating fruit from introduced plants found in gardens, orchards, parks, and streetscaping. MORE ABOUT MANDI'S BATS Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Mandi also actively supports other bat carers who need any form of assistance with their bats in care, including temporary in-house care if a carer is sick or needs to go away. But being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, Mandi does not receive any form of government financial support or grant monies. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All funds are donated directly to Mandi for the bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #mandisbats #cuteflyingfoxes

Watch as Tony experiences life behind the scenes, working and filming in Mandi's rehabilitation bat aviary as he has a close encounter with a flying fox, aka, little Jackie. Jackie is a permanent resident in the bat aviary and LOVES checking out new people. Tony hadn't met her before, and we forgot to warn him...whoops! MORE ABOUT AUSALIAN FLYG FOXES Rehabilitating bats or flying foxes involves a lot of expertise and care, spanning weeks or months in wildlife care. All the people you see in these videos are experienced in handling bats and are fully vaccinated against ABLV (Australian Bat Lyssa Virus), a rare rabies-like virus that can kill humans. Whilst bats in long-term care are seen to be very loving, curious, and intelligent animals, don't try to do this at home, and especially don't think about handling an injured wild flying fox. If distressed or in pain, they can bite or scratch, like any other animal. Just call your local wildlife or bat association and they will give you advice or come out to rescue it if necessary. Little red flying foxes are the only Australian bat that regularly roosts in clusters of up to 30 flying foxes in a bunch, like grapes hanging in a tree. They are also the only flying fox in the world that eats almost exclusively nectar. So much so, their tongues are different from other flying foxes and more similar to those of nectar-feeding birds, such as honey-eaters. They will often fly up to 30km a night to find food. Flying foxes play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants. They are crucial in keeping our native forests healthy. And because flying foxes are highly mobile, seeds can be moved locally and over great distances. Thus they are vital as our forest pollinators too. Flying foxes are also the largest flying Australian mammal. And the only mammal in Australia that is the closest genetically to humans - go figure! Throughout history, humans have always wanted to fly but the flying foxes beat us to it. Now THAT deserves our admiration! For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats" at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 MORE ABOUT NDI'S BATS Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Mandi also actively supports other bat carers who need any form of assistance with their bats in care, including temporary in-house care if a carer is sick or needs to go away. But being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, Mandi does not receive any form of government financial support or grant monies. FUNDRAISG FOR NDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE IACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #mandisbats #cuteflyingfox

Big Girl, a rather large Mountain brushtail possum was fast asleep in the corner of a hot metal shed. She awoke to the noise of our chatter as we suddenly spotted her there. She was so gorgeous, we thought we would see if she was partial to a piece of fruit. Since I had just brought some trays of donated fruit for Mandi's bat aviary, I ran off to come back with some banana. See what happens when Dennis offers her a banana... Feeding a wild Mountain brushtail possum can be fraught with danger. They can be quite aggressive to humans at times. But she was...just adorable. And she LOVES bananas. See if you agree! PS. It turned out that Big Girl carried a microchip which revealed she was in fact a re-wilded bobuck possum that Mandi had released months before. Now that's what I call a homing instinct! MORE ABOUT MOUNTAIN BRUSHTAIL POSSUMS The mountain brushtail possum or southern bobuck is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal, medium-sized (2.5–4.5 kg) marsupial native to southeastern Australia. It was only described as a separate species until 2002. Classed as of Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). It generally inhabits wet sclerophyll forest along and to the southeast of the Great Dividing Range from southern Victoria to southeastern Queensland. They typically dwell at altitudes above 300 m. During the day, the mountain brushtail possum dens in tree hollows or sometimes in dense ground cover. And at night emerges to forage, acacia being its favorite food. MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #mandisbats #possumeating

Meet Big Girl, a beautiful Mountain brushtail possum. Mandi found her asleep one afternoon, nestled in the corner of a very hot metal shed. Not sure how wild she was (they can be quite aggressive at times!), we thought we would see if she could be tempted by some fresh strawberries that I had just brought up for the bats from a local Woolworths store. Well, see what happens! MORE ABOUT MOUNTAIN BRUSHTAIL POSSUMS The Mountain brushtail possum or Southern bobuck is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal, medium-sized (2.5–4.5 kg) marsupial native to southeastern Australia. They can live up to 17 yrs in the wild. It was only described as a separate species until 2002. Classed as of Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). It generally inhabits wet sclerophyll forest along and to the southeast of the Great Dividing Range from southern Victoria to southeastern Queensland. They typically dwell at altitudes above 300 m. During the day, the mountain brushtail possum dens in tree hollows or sometimes in dense ground cover. And at night emerges to forage, acacia being its favorite food. MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. Her flying foxes say THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #mandisbats #possumeating

After finding this wild mountain possum in Mandi's hot shed, we had just read a microchip on it. This confirmed it was, in fact, one of her previously released possums. But in all the excitement of watching it eat some strawberries (so cute!), we forgot to write the number down. Aaargh! So here we go again! And it's not that easy when they jam themselves right in a tight corner high up on a hot shed wall... MORE ABOUT MOUNTAIN BRUSHTAIL POSSUMS The Mountain brushtail possum or Southern bobuck is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal, medium-sized (2.5–4.5 kg) marsupial native to southeastern Australia. It was only described as a separate species until 2002. Classed as of Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). It generally inhabits wet sclerophyll forest along and to the southeast of the Great Dividing Range from southern Victoria to southeastern Queensland. They typically dwell at altitudes above 300 m. During the day, the mountain brushtail possum dens in tree hollows or sometimes in dense ground cover. And at night emerges to forage, acacia being its favorite food. MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable, and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography 00:00 Intro 00:40 Strawberry bribe 00:52 Pass microchip reader over shoulder blades 01:10 "No tag found" 01.30 Re-do with another strawberry 01:38 Second try - success! #ireneisaacsonphotography #mandisbats #possumeating

Mandi doesn't only look after bats or flying foxes. Her farm is home to many other rescued and soft-released Australian wildlife. I had just delivered some fresh fruit donated by a local supermarket when Mandi suddenly appeared and was very excited. She had just found a possum asleep, jammed high up in the corner of one of her sheds on the property. Interested to see if it was one of her previously released possums weeks ago, we rushed off to see if it had a microchip. And as a teaser, we brought along some strawberries from the bats' fruit delivery. See what happens once it woke up from its daytime slumber! MORE ABOUT MOUNTAIN BRUSHTAIL POSSUMS The mountain brushtail possum or southern bobuck is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal, medium-sized (2.5–4.5 kg) marsupial native to southeastern Australia. It was only described as a separate species until 2002. Classed as of Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). It generally inhabits wet sclerophyll forest along and to the southeast of the Great Dividing Range from southern Victoria to southeastern Queensland. They typically dwell at altitudes above 300 m. During the day, the mountain brushtail possum dens in tree hollows or sometimes in dense ground cover. And at night emerges to forage, acacia being its favorite food. MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography 00:00 Intro 00:04 Feeding a strawberry 00:10 Checking for a microchip 00:28 2nd attempt reading a microchip 00:33 Tug on the tail 00:41 Successful microchip read! 00:51 Checking the sex 01:14 Eating 2nd strawberry 02:25 Possum's nails - close up #ireneisaacsonphotography #mountainbrushtailpossum #mandisbats

Wallace is a handsome American Peacock on Mandi's farm. When it comes to doing the afternoon fruit chop for the bat aviary, Wallace usually hangs around. Any chance of a free food handout is on his mind. But today, a friend also turns up and goes after Wallace's handout of radish leaves. Oh, the look the peacock gets is quite funny. Wallace is NOT impressed. But being the gentleman he is, he allows his friend to eat. Until, perhaps, another day... PS. See this previous video to see the back story to the radish leaves: https://youtu.be/zGFMs_L3HPs MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #mandisbats #americanturkey

Wallace is an American Turkey. Don't ask me why, but Mandi bought him for her farm. Like most of the other animals (not the bats of course!), he is allowed to free-range around the property. But whenever I come to work with the bats, especially when I need to sort the trays of donated fruit, he miraculously...just appears. Yes, he usually acts like he's not interested. But he has a keen eye and knows when there is something on the table that he might be able to sneak! Well, radish leaves were NOT on my radar for a turkey to eat. But he LOVES them. Who would have thought?!!! MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #americanturkey #mandisbats

Funny figbird Sylvia loves to check out the daily fruit chop at Mandi's bat aviary. Today I was cutting apples and bananas. I know Sylvia doesn't particularly like apples, but banana? Oh, yes please. I couldn't keep he/she/it away from the banana. Not sure if the bats would be all too impressed though! SYLVIA'S BACKGROUND There is a lot to do when it comes to running an aviary full of bats or flying foxes. Cleaning aviaries, filling water bottles, and chopping fruit are but a few. But like most wildlife carers, Mandi doesn't just look after bats. Her home is frequently offered to other rescued wildlife. Mandi offered to take Sylvia Figbird on from its previous carer thinking this juvenile bird could free-range and eventually self-release back into the wild. But Sylvia (could it be a boy?) was very attached to human company. And he/she/it was into EVERYTHING! So, wherever you turn, there is Sylvia. Flying into a room that is only opened for a split second. Sitting in the fruit bowls. Diving into water bowls. You name it, it's all fair game for Sylvia. MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography

Sylvia Figbird is a funny rescued figbird who was part handraised from being a chick. So Sylvia has a curious nature around ANYTHING human. This makes trying to chop kilos of fruit for the bat aviary quite difficult. Watch as he/she distracts and dominates the fruit container. What a pesky figbird! SYLVIA'S BACKGROUND There is a lot to do when it comes to running Mandi's aviary full of bats or flying foxes. Cleaning aviaries, filling water bottles, and chopping fruit are but a few. But like most wildlife carers, Mandi doesn't just look after bats. Her home is frequently offered to other rescued wildlife. Mandi offered to take Sylvia Figbird on from its previous carer, thinking this juvenile bird could free-range and eventually self-release back into the wild. But Sylvia (could it be a boy?) was very attached to human company. And he/she/it was into EVERYTHING! So wherever you turn, there is Sylvia. Flying into a room that is only opened for a split second. Sitting in the fruit bowls. Diving into water bowls. You name it, it's all fair game for Sylvia. MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #behindthescenesworkingwithbats #figbird

There is a lot to do when it comes to running an aviary full of bats or flying foxes. Behind the scenes involves cleaning aviaries, filling water bottles, and chopping fruit. But before chopping, the fruit has to be sorted into what is ripe, overripe, going mouldy, and so on. And Sylvia was a natural when it came to performing the quality taste test! LVIA'S BACKGROUND Like most wildlife carers, Mandi doesn't just look after bats. Her home is frequently offered to other rescued wildlife. So one day this little Figbird came to stay. Mandi offered to take it on from the previous carer, thinking this juvenile could free-range and self-release back into the wild. But Sylvia, as it was originally named (could it be a boy?) was very attached to human company. And he/she/it was into EVERYTHG! Wherever you turned, there was Sylvia. Flying into a room that was only opened for a split second. Sitting in the fruit bowls. Diving into water bowls. You name it, it was all fair game for Sylvia. MORE ABOUT NDI: Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISG FOR NDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE IACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography

I took this video on Sylvia's first day at Mandi's. She had flown into a room in the house where Mandi triages her rescued animals. I was cleaning the floor in the room and I turned around to have Sylvia almost fly right into my face! And I had never handled a bird before... Watch what happens! SYLVIA'S BACKGROUND There is a lot to do when it comes to running an aviary full of bats or flying foxes. Cleaning aviaries, filling water bottles, and chopping fruit are but a few. But like most wildlife carers, Mandi doesn't just look after bats. Her home is frequently offered to other rescued wildlife. As I was rapidly learning! On this day, this little Figbird came to stay. Mandi offered to take it on from the previous carer, thinking this juvenile could free-range and self-release back into the wild. But Sylvia, as it was originally called (but could it be a boy?), was very attached to human company. And he/she/it was into EVERYTHING! Wherever you turned, there was Sylvia. Flying into a room that was only opened for a split second. Sitting in the fruit bowls. Diving into water bowls. You name it, it was all fair game for Sylvia. MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFototravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene has also been a volunteer and active member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #figbird #mandisbats #ireneisaacsonphotography

Whilst working in Mandi's aviary on a hot humid afternoon, I noticed that I was being persistently followed by one of the bats or flying foxes. Everywhere I went, I could hear the 'whoosh whoosh' of a pair of wings flying past my head. And when I stopped to look up? There was Poppy. A beautiful grey-headed flying fox, Poppy is an educational bat with a special license to be an ambassador for her kind. Poppy is obviously quite habituated to humans and loves a cuddly, so I am told. But no one told me she also LOVES a good salt lick. And on a hot humid Queensland day, sweat makes for a great lick! . She is actually very gentle. P. And yes, I am fully vaccinated (anyone who handles flying foxes should be vaccinated against ABLV - Australian Bat Lyssa Virus). MORE ABOUT NDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISG FOR NDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) MORE ABOUT AUSALIAN FLYG FOXES: Flying foxes play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants. They are crucial in keeping our native forests healthy. And because flying foxes are highly mobile, seeds can be moved locally and over great distances. Thus they are vital as our forest pollinators too. Flying foxes are also the largest flying Australian mammal. And the only mammal in Australia that is the closest genetically to humans - go figure! Throughout history, humans have always wanted to fly but the flying foxes beat us to it. Now THAT deserves our admiration! For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats" at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE IACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFototravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene has also been a volunteer and active member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #behindthescenesbataviary #mandisbats #ireneisaacsonphotography

Working behind the scenes in a bat aviary can be a lot of fun. Especially when some of the bats in care are long-term resident flying foxes (special licensed educational bats - ambassadors for their kind). But it can be very hard at times to get your work done as they are extremely curious, intelligent animals with real characters of their own. Check out Poppy who LOVES a good salt lick and can be VERY persistent. And I'm the 'victim'... What do they say about acting with children or animals? Well, that definitely includes bats! AUSALIAN FLYG FOXES: Flying foxes play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants. They are crucial in keeping our native forests healthy. And because flying foxes are highly mobile, seeds can be moved locally and over great distances. Thus they are vital as our forest pollinators too. Flying foxes are also the largest flying Australian mammal. And the only mammal in Australia that is the closest genetically to humans - go figure! Throughout history, humans have always wanted to fly but the flying foxes beat us to it. Now THAT deserves our admiration! For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats" at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 MORE ABOUT NDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support. FUNDRAISG FOR NDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) ABOUT IRENE IACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene has also been a volunteer and active member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #behindthescenesbataviary #mandisaviary #ireneisaacsonphotography

Cotton Top is a cute baby bat, a grey-headed flying fox. Rescued as an orphan, Cotton Top is now looked after by her new mum, Mandi. Flying fox moms constantly groom their young pups, like a cat does her kittens. So when in care, baby bats need to have that constant reassurance like a mom. Mandi uses this great technique of using a wire bottle brush cleaner to brush her babies. And boy, do they LOVE it! MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support or grant monies. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) MORE ABOUT AUSTRALIAN FLYING FOXES: Despite the 'bad press' flying foxes have had (not helped by Hollywood and images of terrifying blood-sucking bats!), they are adorable sentient creatures and the most amazing flying mammals. In fact, they are the largest flying Australian mammal and the only mammal in Australia that is the closest genetically to humans - go figure! Maybe we were meant to fly but flying foxes beat us to it! For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats" at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (aka ex-iFotoTravel platform) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene has also been a volunteer and active member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography

Meet adorable Cotton Top, only 5 weeks old. Rescued baby bats have to be consistently cleaned when in care so they don't get infections on their skin. In the wild, a momma bat would be licking and grooming her baby all the time, almost like a cat does. So when Cotton Top has got herself particularly messy, Mandi steps in to give her a bath. And the little darling seems to love it. Pure bath time bliss, at 'Mandi's Day Spa... SO CUTE! MORE ABOUT MANDI Mandi has been a licensed bat carer for nearly 30 years. She lives in Southeast Queensland and cares for bats from her personal funds and any donations she may receive. She looks after baby bats, orphaned bats, injured bats, and even geriatric bats who are allowed to live out their days in the blissful batty comfort of her loving care. Being an individual carer and not a member of a Not-For-Profit wildlife organization, she does not receive any form of government financial support or grant monies. FUNDRAISING FOR MANDI'S BATS This video is part of my fundraising initiative to help Mandi feed her bats, maintain and improve her aviaries. So, if you would like to donate to Mandi's bats, then use a PayPal account to send a donation: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com OR VIA: paypal.me/ireneisaacson All these funds are donated to Mandi for bats in her care. THANK YOU! ;-) MORE ABOUT AUSTRALIAN FLYING FOXES: Despite the 'bad press' flying foxes have had (not helped by Hollywood and images of terrifying blood-sucking bats!), they are adorable sentient creatures and the most amazing flying mammals. In fact, they are the largest flying Australian mammal and the only mammal in Australia that is the closest genetically to humans - go figure! Maybe we were meant to fly but flying foxes beat us to it! For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats" at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (aka ex-iFotoTravel platform) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene has also been a volunteer and active member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #cutebabybat #mandisbats #ireneisaacsonphotography

Meet Nicholas and Bentley who were two rescued orphan black flying foxes. As babies found rather late in the 'baby season', they were not able to be released with the other baby orphans in Feb-March. So they were 'wintered' over with their human momma, Jeannie. Here they are at about 5-6 months old. In this video, you can see the strong bond baby bats have with their 'mom'. And the antics they get up to when mom enters their bat aviary to put up fruit for them at night for their evening meal. Flying foxes are very inquisitive and intelligent creatures. And they all have distinct personalities of their own, as you can see in these two funny bats! MORE ABOUT AUSTRALIAN FLYING FOXES: Flying foxes play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants. They are crucial in keeping our native forests healthy. And because flying foxes are highly mobile, seeds can be moved locally and over great distances. Thus they are vital as our forest pollinators too. Flying foxes are also the largest flying Australian mammal. And the only mammal in Australia that is the closest genetically to humans - go figure! Throughout history, humans have always wanted to fly but the flying foxes beat us to it. Now THAT deserves our admiration! FUNDRAISING DONATIONS: Should you like to help with their care, then make a difference and consider donating to your local wildlife group. Even just $1 can make a big difference! And if you are a resident of Southeast Queensland, then you could use the link: https://batrescue.org.au/donate/ All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats" at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #bataviary #rescuedflyingfox

Bats come alive at night. Especially when its dinner time! Watch the pandemonium as Jeannie tries to hand their food up in the ceiling of the bat aviary. There is great excitement over one of the treats, a corn on the cob kebab. Go figure! Except for one cute baby flying fox who gets a bit confused, totally overwhelmed with what's going on. He decides to go south towards the floor or the aviary. But watch what happens as he gets a reward for his efforts! MORE ABOUT AUSTRALIAN FLYING FOXES: Flying foxes play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants. They are crucial in keeping our native forests healthy. And because flying foxes are highly mobile, seeds can be moved locally and over great distances. Thus they are vital as our forest pollinators too. Flying foxes are also the largest flying Australian mammal. And the only mammal in Australia that is the closest genetically to humans - go figure! Throughout history, humans have always wanted to fly but the flying foxes beat us to it. Now THAT deserves our admiration! FUNDRAISING DONATIONS: Should you like to help with their care, then make a difference and consider donating to your local wildlife group. Even just $1 can make a big difference! And if you are a resident of Southeast Queensland, then you could use the link: https://batrescue.org.au/donate/ All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography

Nowhere in my research about flying foxes was there a mention that food for bats not only includes pollen, nectar, and some fruits, but they also eat...corn on the cob. What the?!!! Well, here is living proof as Jeannie puts out food for the bats in the aviary at night and includes a corn cob kebab suspended from the ceiling. Watch as the flying foxes go crazy for it. This is real behind-the-scenes action in a bat aviary. And, the biff is on! AMAZING! PS.Watch how they use their thumbs to grab the corn, or to poke their competition! FLYING FOX FOOD: Most people think bats or flying foxes only eat our backyard fruit or fruit in our commercial orchards. But they don't. In fact, their natural food is pollen and nectar from over 100 species of native trees and vines. They can eat the flowers and sometimes leaves of eucalypt, lily pilly, paperbark, and turpentine trees. When native foods are scarce, particularly during drought, the bats may supplement this diet by eating fruit from introduced plants found in gardens, orchards, parks, and streetscaping. FUNDRAISING DONATIONS: Should you like to help with their care, then make a difference and consider donating to your local wildlife group. Even just $1 can make a big difference! And if you are a resident of Southeast Queensland, then you could use the link: https://batrescue.org.au/donate/ All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #bataviary #flyingfoxeseatcorn

Keeping flying foxes in care results in a constant need to provide food for them as well as to try to stimulate them to forage. Any form of enrichment also helps keep them occupied to combat batty boredom. Well, fruit kebabs are one thing that ticks all those boxes. And being able to use the mango seeds or stones after cutting off the fruit is an added bonus. This idea of using barbeque or kebab skewers is so simple and easy to do. You just need to be able to safely handle a drill like Terrie can...yikes! PS. For the inside joke re wine corks at the end of the video - check out this Facebook link to the very funny "Cork Soakers" sketch on Saturday Nite Live from 2004 with Janet Jackson: https://fb.watch/b5Fej_mHBl/ FLYING FOX FOOD: Most people think bats or flying foxes only eat our backyard fruit or fruit in our commercial orchards. But they don't. In fact, their natural food is pollen and nectar from over 100 species of native trees and vines. They can eat the flowers and sometimes leaves of eucalypt, lily pilly, paperbark, and turpentine trees. When native foods are scarce, particularly during drought, the bats may supplement this diet by eating fruit from introduced plants found in gardens, orchards, parks, and streetscaping. However, in a rescue and rehabilitation setting, tropical fruit is one food that is easily sourced by carers. FUNDRAISING DONATIONS: Should you like to help with their care, then make a difference and consider donating to your local wildlife group. Even just $1 can make a big difference! And if you are a resident of Southeast Queensland, then you could use the link: https://batrescue.org.au/donate/ All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography 00:00 Introduction - Terrie with her drill 00:05 Using the drill on a mango stone 00:14 Skewering the drilled mango seed 00:21 Finished fruit kebabs 00:39 The need for wine corks #ireneisaacsonphotography #foodforflyingfoxes #flyingfoxeseatfruit

We joined Terrie for a morning tea after helping with her daily fruit chop for the bat aviary. And little Pippin came along. Whilst we had our coffee and cake treats, he had his milk feed. And then, we enjoyed watching his antics as he hung off Terrie's t-shirt investigating everything around him. So curious. So cute. ADORABLE! MORE ABOUT BABY BATS Orphaned baby bats or fruitbats come into care in the 'baby season' when their mothers are killed or frightened away from the colony by deterrent methods in the breeding season. They require intensive care and feeding for 4-5 months before they are finally able to be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. FUNDRAISG DONATIONS: Should you like to help with their care, then make a difference and consider donating to your local wildlife group. Even just $1 can make a big difference! And if you are a resident of Southeast Queensland, then you could use the link: https://batrescue.org.au/donate/ All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE IACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #cutebabyflyingfox #cutebabybat

It takes a lot to be a bat carer. Hours of carer and devotion, 3-4 hourly milk feeds, and sleepless nights, just like a human baby. But the rewards are wonderful. When your little 'wild' baby bat looks back into your eyes with such love and trust, as it would with its bat momma, it makes it all so worthwhile. Just look at Terrie's face while she plays with her little bub...aaawww...such love and adoration...What a morning tea with a difference. Lol! PS. Mons and I joined Terrie for morning tea after we had just finished a fruit chop for the bats in the aviary. The 'inside joke' is that we are all vegans, so I always bring a vegan treat from our local vegan cafe, Nurcha. And of course, baby bats are allowed to join the 'vegan inner circle', as they too are natural vegans. Yay! MORE ABOUT BABY BATS Orphaned baby bats or fruitbats come into care in the 'baby season' when their mothers are killed or frightened away from the colony by deterrent methods in the breeding season. They require intensive care and feeding for 4-5 months before they are finally able to be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. FUNDRAISING DONATIONS: Should you like to help with their care, then make a difference and consider donating to your local wildlife group. Even just $1 can make a big difference! And if you are a resident of Southeast Queensland, then you could use the link: https://batrescue.org.au/donate/ All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #cutebabybat #funnybabyflyingfox

Cute baby flying foxes in care are fed small pieces of fruit once weaned off their special bat milk baby formula. But it looks like one of their favorite pastimes is licking the leftover sweet mango seeds for their juice. And mango kebabs are an innovative way of presenting mango stones to them. They even provide a mode of enrichment too and it seems to keep them occupied for hours! Watch these funky flying foxes do their thing - quite cute! MORE ABOUT AUSTRALIAN FLYING FOXES: Flying foxes play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants. They are crucial in keeping our native forests healthy. And because flying foxes are highly mobile, seeds can be moved locally and over great distances. Thus they are vital as our forest pollinators too. Flying foxes are also the largest flying Australian mammal. And the only mammal in Australia that is the closest genetically to humans - go figure! Throughout history, humans have always wanted to fly but the flying foxes beat us to it. Now THAT deserves our admiration! FUNDRAISING DONATIONS: Should you like to help with their care, then make a difference and consider donating to your local wildlife group. Even just $1 can make a big difference! And if you are a resident of Southeast Queensland, then you could use the link: https://batrescue.org.au/donate/ All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #cutebabyflyingfoxes #flyingfoxeseatingfruit

When cutting fruit for flying foxes to eat, if mangos are available and on their menu, I never know what to do with the large seeds they have inside. Well, experienced bat carer Terrie has a unique idea. She drills a hole in the middle of the seed, feeds them over a kebab skewer, and puts a cork on the bottom to stop them slipping off. Ingenious! A great treat and enrichment idea for bats, adults and baby flying foxes alike. You can see how much they love them. Their tongues go hell-for-leather clicking the mango, especially when you pour a little bit of fruit juice onto them! Check out the slow-mo action too in the picture-in-picture in the second clip - it helps see their tongue action in slow motion. So CUTE! And to prove a point, the little babies at the back of the aviary loved the grevillea flower which is their more natural food, not cultivated fruit which really is a second option for them when in the wild. FLYING FOX FOOD: Most people think bats or flying foxes only eat our backyard fruit or fruit in our commercial orchards. But they don't. In fact, their natural food is pollen and nectar from over 100 species of native trees and vines. They can eat the flowers and sometimes leaves of eucalypt, lily pilly, paperbark, and turpentine trees. When native foods are scarce, particularly during drought, the bats may supplement this diet by eating fruit from introduced plants found in gardens, orchards, parks, and streetscaping. FUNDRAISING DONATIONS: Should you like to help with their care, then make a difference and consider donating to your local wildlife group. Even just $1 can make a big difference! And if you are a resident of Southeast Queensland, then you could use the link: https://batrescue.org.au/donate/ All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE ISAACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography 00:00 Introduction 00:04 Flying foxes licking mango kebabs 00:38 2nd clip - adding mango juice 01.04 Slow-mo of mango licking (picture-in-picture) 01.14 Presenting grevillea flowers to baby bats 01.36 Close up - baby flying fox eating browse #ireneisaacsonphotography #cutebabyflyingfoxeating #terriesbataviary

Continuing on from my previous video of a tour of Jeannie's bat aviary, this video shows you the behind-the-scenes story of what is involved in preparing food for rescued flying foxes in care. A weaned baby bat may eat around 200-230gms of fruit a day, with an adult getting 300-350gms. This means a lot of buying fruit, fruit chopping into small pieces, especially for the babies, and then placing it around the aviary. Yes, there is an art to the placement of the food. It has to be scattered around giving everyone a chance to get to it. Or bullies may take over a certain food container and prevent others from getting to it. Yes, its true, bats are closely related to humans, in so many ways, not just our DNA! FLYG FOX FOOD: Most people think bats or flying foxes only eat our backyard fruit or fruit in our commercial orchards. But they don't. In fact, their natural food is pollen and nectar from over 100 species of native trees and vines. They can eat the flowers and sometimes leaves of eucalypt, lily pilly, paperbark, and turpentine trees. When native foods are scarce, particularly during drought, the bats may supplement this diet by eating fruit from introduced plants found in gardens, orchards, parks, and streetscaping. FUNDRAISG DONATIONS: Should you like to help with their care, then make a difference and consider donating to your local wildlife group. Even just $1 can make a big difference! And if you are a resident of Southeast Queensland, then you could use the link: https://batrescue.org.au/donate/ All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. For more videos like this, check out our playlist: "Discover Bats": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQrN5eNL5RhOIhD8Erg2cFyPrENv1ct-8 ABOUT IRENE IACSON: Irene Isaacson (ex-iFotoTravel) is a passionate travel and wildlife photographer. Whilst traveling over 1 million miles and across many continents over the last 10-15 years, she has honed her photography, videography, and photojournalism skills. With a particular love of experiencing all manner of wildlife interactions, Irene is an active volunteer and member of many global wildlife organizations. These include Not-For-Profit organizations, many of which benefit from regular donations from her photography business profits. She shares her adventures in the hope to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, using her platform to inspire, support, and enact change. Irene says: “We are all stewards of our planet. Between us all, we can help secure the future of our world and the plants and animals within it. It only needs to start with one person…” Say Hi on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneisaacsonphotography • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ireneisaacsonphotography For more information: • Email: ireneisaacsonphotography@gmail.com • Mobile: +61 407 126 750 • Website: www.ireneisaacsonphotography.com • For some of Irene's Travel Articles - Travel2Next: www.travel2next.com/author/irene-isaacson For YouTube Creators – if you are not using TubeBuddy when creating your YouTube content, then click below to find out more information about the software. I find it invaluable and I think you will too: https://www.Tubebuddy.com/ireneisaacsonphotography #ireneisaacsonphotography #bataviary #feedingbats