33-Year-Old Bat Loves to Curl Around His Caregiver's Arm and Fall Asleep | The Dodo

Statler, an Indian flying fox, was born at a zoo in 1987. Since then, he's moved from facility to facility. For many years, he was kept in a small space and used for "education." When he arrived at Bat World Sanctuary in 2018, his caretakers made sure he’d have a happy and peaceful retirement.

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[marycollins]

Dear Statler passed away in July 2021 at the age of 34. He was preceded in death by his roost mate Chessie earlier that month.
So glad that they got to live out their final years unstressed, well fed, and loved.

[guadalupewallace]

The caregiver is a GEM, letting him fly around with her assistance, it's people like her that make the world a beautiful place to be....

[BloodofaFool]

The fact that they hold him and fly him around is adorable. What great caregivers.

[aprillee]

Statler passed at the age of 34 but I bet his last few years with his caregiver were the BEST years of his life. He crossed the rainbow bridge knowing he was loved and cared Love it!!!!

[colinburke]

He’s found bat heaven: plenty of food, no predators, and very caring assistants! Given his age and injuries, he’s more than earned his peaceful retirement!

[anilu]

He’s like a puppy with wings. Lucky guy to have a loving home.

[fallonstone]

This poor guy probably struggled for food and warmth all his life, now in his golden years is gorging like a king in a warm palace and being cared for by warm hands. Having a couple old chums from the same species to "hang" with is a bonus! I hope he lives a long and "fruitful" life.

[mairiw]

I love the "geribatric" ward, too funny! What a precious little guy!

[floydiandreamscapes]

Such a noble work. Making the lives of these elderly animals easier.

[kerriefearby]

As a former bat rescuer and carer let me tell that bats are super intelligent, loving and caring. They are just the sweetest creatures.

[jackaction]

Got my daily dose of cuteness
I had no idea sky puppies lived that long.

[Sarahc-mntr]

This little old man makes me smile and cry. He seemed like a sweetheart.
I love flying foxes. They get treated poorly for just being a bat and considered a pest. They are sweet, loveable, adorable sky puppies.
I love the trios morning meetings.

[earlsmith]

Giving elderly animals a chance to enjoy life and feel loved and safe is just the best feeling. Especially when you know they have had a rough life before they met you. Thank you very much.

[amandashelton]

That's like taking an old man out for a walk but he needs assistance. He's a cute old furry bat man. ❤️ He's so spoiled.

[Lucysmom]

The walking him around so he can "fly?" That's love right there, the very best of us humans.

[JadeStrawberry]

I miss you Statler. You had such a wonderful and loving life with your devoted carers. We know you're in heaven, sweetheart.

[michaelquaid]

I'm so glad to know there's a sanctuary for poor old bats. Really cool ladies working there

[skybluepainter]

Letting him "fly" was the cutest thing I've seen this month.

[little_huntr]

My college teacher always called them “sky puppies” She specialised in bats and taught me so much about these beautiful little dog wyverns

[JoannHines-gf]

God bless him; he lived to be 34 years old!! RIP Statler!!❤❤❤❤