The amazing rescue of 92 (yes - 92) orphaned Black & Grey-headed Flying-fox babies when the record heatwave struck Dallis Park in 2002.

 

Black & Grey-headed Flying-foxes    Pteropus alecto & Pteropus poliocephalus

DISASTER AT DALLIS PARK AS TEMPERATURE CLIMBS INTO 40's

Whilst bush fires raged further south in the state, another tragedy was happening right here on our doorstep. As temperatures soared into the 40's last Saturday (12th Jan), Black Flying foxes at the Dallis Park colony (near Murwillumbah) were dying from the uncharacteristic heat wave. The deaths were predominantly nursing mothers.

The following is a brief and emotive journal of events.

MONDAY 14th JAN

A chance call, to a Northern Rivers Wildlife Carer, informed us of colonies further south affected by the heat, and that carers were checking those colonies for any orphaned babies.

Following this phone call Dave and I decided to go up to the colony at Dallis Park to check out the situation there. The sight and smell that greeted us as we approached the tree on the perimeter of the colony was nothing short of tragic. Dead mums and bubs, some still hanging in the trees, others had already fallen to the ground.

In the failing evening light, we managed to rescue seven orphaned bubs, but realized we had barely 'scratched the surface'. Once home, we began re-hydrating the babies, and making phone calls to enlist help for another rescue effort on Tuesday.

TUESDAY 15th JAN

Kerrie and Kevin Tasker were on site at 7am, and had already rescued several babies by the time Dave and I arrived. Shortly afterwards, Ilona arrived with cages, towels, and other much needed equipment.

We set up a temporary 'camp' at the edge of the colony, and began the search for orphans. As they were brought back to the 'camp', several at a time in buckets, a re-hydration 'production line' began. Each baby was given pre-boiled water, and then 'hung' in a cage for safe keeping. They just kept coming.

During the morning a reporter and photographer from the Daily News, and a reporter and cameraman from NBN Channel 9, filmed the proceedings.

Ilona went for more cages, and brought grapes for the hungry bubs. We welcomed the arrival of Ivan, as by now the count of babies was, we estimated, 40-50.

Around lunchtime we stopped the search as we now had 55 hungry babies to 'house'. After a phone call to Jackie Maisey, Kerrie and Kevin were on their way to Modanville with 53 babies on board. The other two babes are small, one is only seven days old and I take her home in my shirt pocket, the other will go to a NRW Carer near Uki. Six of the seven babies Dave and I rescued last night, were on their way to Mullumbimby by mid afternoon to another NRW Carer. Transported half way by Jim O'Regan.

Our recently vaccinated, new bat carer, Ilona, will take the other baby (her first).

WEDNESDAY 16th JAN

Much the same as yesterday, but without the media, and fewer live babies accessible for rescue. Klaus was another valuable helper, and we enlisted the help of Sonya Limeburner (NPWS) to transport the bats to Modanville. Dave and I did another reconnoitre late afternoon and found another two bubs, one rather bedraggled and wet. A total of fifteen babies rescued today ~ or so we thought! Researchers working on the other side of the colony had rescued another six, who were duly delivered to us around 8.30pm.

JUST WHEN WE THOUGHT IT WAS 'SAFE'... THE SAGA CONTINUES.

THURSDAY 17th JAN

We decide to do a quick check of the colony this morning, and sight 4 bubs. They are all out of our reach and it is very distressing to have to walk away. Despite our resolve to let nature take its toll, we return late afternoon for another try, hoping weakness may have brought the babies lower down the trees. An eerie quiet has descended. No "chittering" of orphans in the trees in the "valley of death". The ground is littered with decomposing bodies. It is difficult to pick a path through them.

By this time two have disappeared, one is way too high up, and the fourth thwarts our efforts by climbing higher. We tie a black towel to the end of a broom handle, and use one of my shoelaces to tie the broom handle to a branch. Standing precariously on a large log, Dave makes a last valiant effort to reach the little flying fox ~ all in vain, it climbs further out of reach.

As we are leaving, feeling thoroughly defeated, we receive a mobile phone call from Justin (the researcher). He informs us that he has left 6 or 7 babies in sacks in our garage. One of these is, quite probably, one of the two that had disappeared. The count has now risen to 90.

It's now 5pm, Thursday 17th Jan, and NRWC inform us not one baby has been lost (incredible as some of these bubs have had no food or water for four days), and some of our Dallis Park babies have now reached the safe hands of Clarence Valley Wildlife Carers. Some may go even further south. Fantastic!

FRIDAY 18th JAN

We are too exhausted, and it's too heart wrenching, to go back today. Nature must surely take its course. No calls from the researchers indicate that there are no more babies... except the two we know of.

SATURDAY 19th JAN

This morning we take the last 'batch' of baby flying foxes down to Jackie's at Modanville. On our return we are haunted by the thought of those last two babies. I have to work night duty tonight and need to sleep this afternoon. While I am asleep, Dave decides to go back to the colony alone. On arrival there, he locates the two elusive babies. Someone has left two very long poles nearby, and he manages to get one of the bubs. Having re-hydrated this one, he uses the pole to encourage the other one down. Eureka, the last baby is rescued! Dave wakes me at 6.30pm with the great news. Although we already have 4 babes in care, we decide to raise these last two (Lily - photo below, and Teddy) as well. It is truly amazing that these two babies have survived 7 days without sustenance.

All in all, a great team effort, fantastic networking, and tireless work by all concerned, for without which 91 baby Black Flying foxes, and one baby Grey-headed, would have surely perished.

MONDAY 21st JAN

Unfortunately, our little Teddy has developed respiratory problems. Sadly, after a brave struggle, he passes away at about 3.30pm. RIP Teddy. Lily, who resembled a skeleton with skin, her eyes sunken, massively dehydrated, and frightened, is thriving. (She gains a staggering 60 grams in the next four days).

SUNDAY 17th FEB

Five weeks on, and all the babies are thriving. In another week they will all go to crèche, near Lismore, where they will all interact and socialize together before release. The crèche 'cage' is alongside an existing flying fox colony. They will be support fed until they are totally assimilated into the colony.

HEARTFELT THANKS TO:

Article by Sue McArthur

If you enjoyed this story, please remember that our only funding sources are from our volunteers efforts, and public generosity. If you wish to make a donation please click here for details. Be assured that your donation will go solely towards the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wonderful creatures such as these.

Please give them a second chance...