Mark, at the risk of posting a Locklear-esque reply, I want to say a little more about "adopt a bat" programs. Bat Conservation International started the first "adopt-a-bat" program. It has been running since about 1995. Originally you got a photo of a bat (several species from which to choose), information on that species, and a certificate of adoption. Now you actually get a plush bat toy. We rotate out a species each year and introduce a new one to keep things fresh. You can learn more, and adopt a bat of your own, at http://www.batcon.org/index.php/support-bci/adopt-a-bat.html.
Other organizations quickly jumped on the bat bandwagon. The first were Carlsbad Caverns National Park (http://www.ccgma.org/Adopt.htm) and Bat World Sanctuary (http://www.batworld.org/adopt-a-bat-now/). Others (besides Defenders for Wildlife, as you mentioned) include: World Animal Foundation http://worldanimalfoundation.homestead.com/AdoptABat.html World Wildlife Fund http://www.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Vampire -Bat.aspx?gid=54 Lava Beds National Monument http://www.nps.gov/labe/supportyourpark/adopt-a-bat.htm Yellowstone National Park https://secure3.convio.net/ypf/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1241&JServSession Idr004=zb73t8fla2.app331a Lubee Bat Conservancy https://www.batconservancy.org/68.php National Cave and Karst Research Institute http://support.nckri.org/adoptabat and (dare I say it?) Organization for Bat Conservation http://store.batconservation.org/sponsorabat.aspx There may be more, but you get the idea. The market is getting saturated with "adopt a bat" programs. Of course, if anyone would like to "adopt" a bat or give one as a gift, we hope they will go to BCI first! -- Jim Kennedy -----Original Message----- From: Mark Minton [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 8:39 AM To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: [Texascavers] Adopt a Bat The conservation group Defenders of Wildlife is sponsoring a program for 'adopting' an endangered animal. One of the animals featured is the bat: <https://secure.defenders.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=wagc_bat>. You don't actually get a bat to take home (fortunately), but your money goes to further their protection. Mark Minton --------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected] For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
