One afternoon in Tasmania, Australia, a homeowner noticed a small, fuzzy head poking out of a pile of netting in their yard. At first, they weren’t sure what it was — but a closer look revealed a tiny bat hopelessly tangled, his delicate wings trapped in the mesh.
“Bats can get caught if they land on netting to rest or eat,” explained Maya Risberg of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. “The more they struggle, the worse the entanglement becomes.”
Knowing the little animal needed expert care, the homeowner quickly called Bonorong for help. Soon, rescuer Ned arrived and carefully transported the bat to the wildlife hospital.
There, veterinarians sedated the bat — later named Ziggy — and gently removed every strand of netting. To everyone’s relief, Ziggy had escaped serious injury.
“He was dehydrated and thoroughly exhausted,” Risberg said, “but otherwise incredibly lucky.”
With fluids, rest, and a week of TLC from licensed bat carer Julie Houston, Ziggy regained his strength, built up his flight muscles, and was ready for freedom once again.
When the day came, Houston released Ziggy back into his natural hunting grounds. With a powerful flap of his wings, he soared into the night sky where he belonged.
Though often misunderstood, bats like Ziggy are vital for healthy ecosystems — pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and keeping insect populations in check.
Thanks to quick action and compassionate care, Ziggy’s story has a happy ending — and he’s back to playing his important role in nature.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary rescues over 17,000 animals each year. To support their lifesaving work, you can make a donation here.
