Home / Environment / Jersey Zoo Bats Find New European Homes
Jersey Zoo Bats Find New European Homes
28 May
Summary
- Jersey Zoo successfully relocated 72 Livingstone fruit bats to new European homes.
- Nine bats were humanely euthanized due to health, age, or ethical concerns.
- Jersey Zoo is the first globally to vaccinate fruit bats against Pasteurella multocida.
Jersey Zoo, operated by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, has successfully rehomed its entire colony of 72 Livingstone fruit bats. The bats have been transferred to various European institutions, including BioTropica in France and Pairi Daiza in Belgium, as well as other new facilities. The relocation effort began in October 2025 and continued through late last year and into June 2026, with the final bats departing later this year.
This significant move involved detailed assessments, leading to the compassionate decision to euthanize nine bats. These individuals had chronic health issues or were nearing the end of their lifespan, making transfer unsuitable. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust stated this decision was made on medical, welfare, and ethical grounds following extensive consultation.
In parallel, Jersey Zoo has advanced its pioneering Pasteurella multocida vaccine program for Livingstone's fruit bats. As of earlier this year, the second phase of the vaccine rollout commenced, building on the first dose administered with daily health monitoring. The zoo confirmed that its fruit bats are the first in the world to receive this specific vaccine, developed with the help of leading scientists.
