The Brookfield Zoo Bat House is a must-visit attraction for anyone fascinated by the mysterious and often misunderstood world of bats. Located within the Small Mammal House and the Australia House, this unique exhibit offers visitors a chance to observe these remarkable creatures up close and learn about their importance in the ecosystem.
Location and Hours
The Brookfield Zoo Bat House is situated at 1st Avenue and 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. after Labor Day, and admission prices vary depending on the day and age of the visitor. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from October through March, admission is free, but parking costs $5. During September, admission and parking on Tuesdays and Thursdays is $7 per carload.
Bat Species
The Brookfield Zoo Bat House is home to three distinct species of bats:
- Hispaniolan Fruit Bats: This species makes up the majority of the bats in the Small Mammal House, with over 700 individuals.
- Dominican Republic Fruit Bats (Artibeus): Several hundred of these bats, weighing between 25-45 grams and with a wing span of about 12 inches, can be found in the Small Mammal House.
- Rodrigues Flying Fox: This endangered species shares the habitat of the Australia House with tree and rat kangaroos. They have a wingspan of approximately 3 feet.
Observations and Behavior
Visitors to the Brookfield Zoo Bat House can observe the bats’ remarkable agility and delicacy as they fly at high speeds and pause to nibble on the various fruits provided for them. The bats exhibit distinct personalities, with some being friendly, crabby, or nervous. The zoo’s staff carefully monitors the bats’ feeding, which consists of bananas, apples, oranges, papayas, and other fruits.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the exhibit is the social structure of the bats. Crippled or old bats that can no longer fly are allowed to live on the branches unmolested, showcasing a sense of community and lack of menace within the colony.
Safety and Conservation
While the possibility of being bitten by a rabid bat is slight, with only 10 Americans believed to have contracted rabies from bats in the last 40 years, the Brookfield Zoo takes precautions to ensure the safety of its visitors. The zoo also plays a vital role in bat conservation efforts, selling bat houses and providing directions to help preserve bat habitats. Additionally, the zoo offers Bat Tours to educate visitors about the importance of these often-misunderstood creatures.
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about the Brookfield Zoo Bat House, the zoo’s website provides detailed information on the Rodrigues Fruit Bat. Additionally, there are several YouTube videos that offer a glimpse into the exhibit, such as “Batcave Brookfield Zoo Australia House 7-25-14” and “In the Bat House: Brookfield Zoo.”
The Brookfield Zoo Bat House is a truly unique and captivating experience, offering visitors a chance to observe these fascinating creatures up close and learn about their importance in the ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned zoo enthusiast or simply curious about the world of bats, this exhibit is sure to leave a lasting impression.