2024 Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 18
Natalie Perez
Of all the bats that we cared for in 2024, Curly Shirley may just have had the
roughest start of all. Aver losing her mother, she was found starving and cri}cally
dehydrated, desperately trying to 昀椀nd shelter on a hot sidewalk. She had
crammed herself into a crack in the wall, hiding the best she could from the
downtown crowds and the scorching sun. Eventually, a young girl and her mother
found the bat in her hiding spot. They immediately called us and a sta昀昀 member
rushed downtown to save the li琀琀le bat.
Upon intake, it was clear Curly Shirley was in dire straits. It had been some }me
since she lost her mother as she was seriously emaciated. Aside from her poor
condi}on, she had a peculiar injury on her head. It appeared that Shirley had
been bi琀琀en by a spider or a wasp, while she was trying to hide in the wall.
Over the next few weeks, Shirley began gaining weight, and her physical condi}on improved. However, the bite wound spread to encompass much of her head
and ears. As healing took place, she lost most of her ear. It was a very long journey for her, but she eventually healed.
Curly Shirley is a sweet bat who looks forward to her twice-daily hand fed meals.
Her unique appearance only adds to her charm. She will remain with us as a permanent resident as her damaged ears a昀昀ect her echoloca}on ability, leaving her
unable to forage for insects in the wild.
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