10/31/2025
Happy Halloween! 🎃🦇
We thought we would take this holiday to introduce you to one of our retired ambassadors who had a routine vet exam yesterday.
Meet Henrietta, our tiny but mighty 19-year-old Big Brown Bat who weighs just 18.79 grams — that’s lighter than a fun-sized candy bar! 🍫 Despite her small size, her species can fly up to 40 mph while catching insects midair. Talk about super speed!
Henrietta is a retired ambassador for her species that calls the Virginia Living Museum home because arthritis in her wings makes it difficult for her to fly. During her recent vet exam and X-rays, our animal care and veterinary teams made sure she’s comfortable and cared for in her golden years.
October is Bat Appreciation Month, the perfect time to learn the truth about these often misunderstood creatures:
🦇 Myth: “Blind as a bat.”
Fact: Bats can actually see very well! Their vision is adapted for low-light and nighttime environments.
🦇 Myth: Bats attack people or get tangled in hair.
Fact: Bats are expert flyers and want nothing to do with your hair! If they swoop near you, they’re just chasing insects — nature’s free pest control! 🪰
🦇 Myth: Bats bite humans in their sleep.
Fact: Most bats avoid humans entirely. Only a few species of vampire bats may nibble if food is scarce — and yes, their saliva contains a special protein called Draculin, which keeps blood flowing (and inspired the Dracula legend! 🧛♂️).
So this Halloween, remember — bats aren’t scary, they’re superheroes of the night sky! 🌙 Help protect them by learning, sharing, and appreciating the important role they play in our ecosystems.
