Lucas Anderson

Not many animals get to celebrate a long, happy retirement after spending their early years inside a research lab. But Raisin, a Jamaican fruit bat, is one of the lucky ones. At nearly 20 years old, she’s not just surviving — she’s thriving. Thanks to the loving team at Bat World Sanctuary, Raisin has transformed from a lab animal into a lively, affectionate bat who now enjoys massages, fresh fruit, and cozy naps in hammocks. From Research Facility to Sanctuary Life Raisin’s story began in the early 2000s, when she was born and raised in a laboratory. Like many animals used in research, her early life was marked by confinement and uncertainty. But in 2005, her story changed forever. The facility where Raisin lived decided to retire several bats, handing them over to Bat World Sanctuary — a safe haven in Texas dedicated to caring for displaced, injured, and retired bats. Amanda Lollar, the sanctuary’s president, still remembers those days clearly. “We are always grateful when labs reach out to us to retire their bats so we can continue to give them a good home,” she said. Though no one knows the full extent of Raisin’s lab experiences, the team was determined to ensure her retirement years would be the complete opposite — full of enrichment, good food, and gentle care. A Social Senior With Endless Energy Today, Raisin has blossomed into one of the sanctuary’s most beloved residents. Even though she’s technically a “senior citizen” by bat standards, she shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to enjoying life. “She’s a little bit of a senior citizen at this point, but that certainly doesn’t slow her down,” said Natalie Perez, vice president of Bat World Sanctuary. Raisin now lives with other elderly Jamaican fruit bats in a special enclosure designed with their needs in mind. Since she can’t fly anymore, food, water, and toys are kept within easy reach. Enrichment activities keep her mind active, while her favorite thing — fresh fruit like papaya and bananas — brings her joy each day. And despite her age, Raisin has a playful streak. Staff often joke that during her daily jojoba oil massages (used to keep her skin healthy after losing fur with age), she transforms into a giddy pup. She wiggles, crawls, and enjoys every second of the attention. The Secret to a Long Bat Life In the wild, Jamaican fruit bats are reported to live around 10 years. Raisin has already doubled that expectation, a milestone made possible by attentive veterinary care, proper nutrition, and a calm, social environment. Amanda Lollar notes that sanctuary bats often live far longer than their wild counterparts. “Free-tail bats are reported to live 10 to 12 years in the wild, but we have had one that lived to 15 and another to 18,” she explained. The difference is clear: in labs or harsh wild conditions, bats face stress, predators, and limited diets. At Bat World Sanctuary, they’re treated with compassion, medical support, and opportunities to engage in natural behaviors. For Raisin, this has meant not just a longer life, but a better quality of life. Her caretakers also manage age-related challenges. Alongside massages, Raisin receives arthritis medication to ease her movements, and soft hammocks are available for her to rest comfortably whenever she pleases. A Symbol of Compassion and Second Chances Raisin’s journey is a reminder of what’s possible when animals are given a chance to live with dignity. She went from being a nameless research subject to a cherished individual whose quirks and preferences are celebrated. Perez explains: “We try to let our bats just be bats. We don’t really take them out or handle them … Raisin is a little bit of the exception to that because she is very social.” Indeed, Raisin’s love for interaction sets her apart. She thrives when her caregivers spend time with her, and her trust in humans shows just how far she’s come since leaving the lab. If baby Raisin could have imagined her future, she probably wouldn’t have believed it: lounging in hammocks, snacking on bananas, surrounded by other gentle fruit bats, and receiving regular spa-like treatments. Yet, thanks to the sanctuary, that’s exactly her reality. Her story highlights an important truth — no matter where animals come from, they all deserve care, compassion, and a chance at happiness. Raisin’s long, joyful retirement is living proof that with proper love and attention, even animals who come from difficult beginnings can flourish. She may be small, but her story carries a big message: all creatures deserve respect and kindness. Now, every day for Raisin is a celebration of life — filled with fruit, comfort, and plenty of massages. For the team at Bat World Sanctuary, watching her thrive is the greatest reward. As Perez put it best: “She’s enjoying her retirement to the fullest.” And judging by Raisin’s daily excitement, she’s not just living — she’s loving every moment.

A Camping Trip Above the Clouds For nature lovers, few experiences rival the feeling of reaching a mountain summit after a long day’s climb. For Brazilian hiker and photographer Bruno Roos, that moment came during a challenging trip up the trails of Mestre Álvaro, a towering mountain near Vitória in Brazil’s Espírito Santo state. Together with a group of close friends, Bruno spent the day trekking through dense forest, navigating narrow trails, and pushing his body to its limits. By the time they reached the top, the exhaustion was quickly replaced with awe. At the summit, the group was greeted with a view that felt almost otherworldly — an endless sea of clouds stretched out beneath them. The sky, painted with shades of gold and orange, seemed within arm’s reach. For Bruno, every drop of sweat and every aching muscle was worth it. “All the effort was worth it when we saw the view above the clouds,” he later shared. It was the kind of reward that hikers dream about, and yet, this trip had another surprise in store — one that Bruno could never have predicted. A Strange Shadow at Dawn That night, the group set up camp on the mountaintop, their tents perched above the clouds. The cool mountain air and the quiet of the wilderness offered a sense of peace. As the night stretched on, the forest hummed with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, a reminder that even in moments of solitude, nature was alive and thriving around them. Before dawn, Bruno stirred awake. Always eager to capture the beauty of a sunrise, he grabbed his flashlight inside the tent to search for his phone. The faint beam of light cut through the darkness, bouncing off the fabric walls of the tent. That’s when he noticed something unusual — a shadow, large and distinct, stretched across the canvas. At first, he thought it might be a branch or some random object casting the shape. But as he focused, the outline became clear. Long legs. A wide body. It wasn’t an object at all — it was a spider. A very large spider. For many people, this discovery would have sparked fear or even panic. Being so close to a spider of that size, especially in the dim pre-dawn light, could have easily sent a camper scrambling. But Bruno, calm and deeply connected to nature, felt something different. He wasn’t afraid. Instead, he was intrigued. Meeting a Giant Visitor When the sun rose a little higher and the light became clearer, Bruno got a proper look at his unexpected guest. The spider was a Brazilian wandering spider, one of the most famous species in South America, known for both its size and striking appearance. This particular one stretched to an impressive 7 inches across — a creature that demanded attention simply by existing. Instead of reacting with fear, Bruno approached the situation with respect. He understood that this spider wasn’t out to harm him. She was simply another resident of the mountain, living her life in the untouched forest. “I wasn’t afraid,” he explained. “On the contrary, I like contact with nature.” Still, he didn’t want to accidentally harm her by stepping out of his tent or moving his gear. So, thinking quickly, Bruno gently coaxed the spider onto a stick. With patience and care, he carried her to a safer spot nearby where she could continue her morning undisturbed. For him, the act wasn’t about removing a nuisance — it was about ensuring both he and the spider could coexist peacefully in the same space. Bruno knew he had just encountered something rare. To find a spider of that size in such an environment meant she had been living undisturbed for many years. “Being that size, she’s a very old spider,” he said, admiring her resilience. It was a living testament to the richness of life hidden deep within the mountain’s forest. Nature’s Reward For Bruno, the encounter with the giant spider became just as meaningful as the breathtaking sunrise or the sweeping views of the clouds below. Hiking to the top of Mestre Álvaro was already a gift, but the spider added another layer of wonder — a reminder that the wild has its own stories, often waiting quietly for those willing to seek them out. “On that trip, nature gave me more than I expected,” Bruno reflected. “I love animals. I take great care with nature, and it always reciprocates.” His philosophy of respect and coexistence shaped how he experienced the moment. Where others might have left frightened or frustrated, Bruno left with gratitude. In many ways, the spider embodied the spirit of the mountain itself — ancient, enduring, and quietly powerful. Bruno understood that hiking isn’t only about reaching the top or snapping photos for memory’s sake. It’s about the encounters along the way, the quiet lessons nature teaches, and the humility of being reminded that humans are just visitors in a much larger world. As the group packed up their tents and began their descent, Bruno carried with him not just the images of a mountain sunrise but the memory of meeting one of nature’s most remarkable creatures. The experience reaffirmed his love for the wilderness and his belief that when treated with care, nature responds with unforgettable gifts.

Sometimes the most extraordinary rescues begin with an ordinary day. For Kim, a caring woman who stumbled upon a shocking sight in her yard, that day arrived in the form of a fragile, hairless baby squirrel clinging to life. What happened next proved that a little compassion — and a lot of quick thinking — can create the perfect ending. A Startling Discovery While spending time outside, Kim noticed something unusual in the grass. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a newborn squirrel, so young that his eyes hadn’t even opened. His delicate, pink skin was bare of fur, leaving him completely exposed to the elements. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Kim immediately reached out to WEST Wildlife Rehab (WWR) for advice. She wanted to do the right thing but knew the best outcome would be reuniting the little one with his mother. A Clever Plan to Reunite Mother and Baby Before WWR could even suggest next steps, Kim had already taken initiative. She gently placed the baby in a bucket and secured it to the tree where the nest was located, lifting him off the ground to keep him safe. This small but thoughtful action gave the mother squirrel the best possible chance of finding and retrieving her baby. The rehab team, though relieved by Kim’s quick thinking, was still worried. They explained that newborn squirrels cannot regulate their body temperature, even on warm days. If the baby became too cold, his mother might reject him instead of bringing him back to the nest. To prevent this, WWR advised Kim to warm the baby using a sock filled with microwaved rice — a simple but effective way to restore his body heat without direct handling. The Miracle Moment Kim followed the instructions and hurried back outside, rice sock in hand. But when she arrived, her heart leapt — the sock wasn’t needed anymore. The baby was gone. His mother had already returned, carefully carrying him back up the tree to safety. In just a short time, the reunion was complete. The tiny pink squirrel was no longer alone or vulnerable — he was back where he belonged, nestled in the warmth of his family’s nest. Why Reunions Matter For the team at WWR, this was a story that highlighted the importance of community involvement in wildlife rescue. While rehabilitation centers do incredible work, there are far more cases than any single organization can handle. Helping animals get back to their natural families when possible is often the most successful — and least disruptive — solution. “If you find a baby animal that looks healthy and uninjured, don’t panic,” WWR explained. “Call your local rehabber. Many times, they can guide you through safe steps to encourage a reunion, just like Kim did.” By understanding that mothers rarely abandon their young and often return if given the opportunity, everyday people can make a huge difference in wildlife survival rates. Not all rescues go according to plan, but this little squirrel’s tale was a shining exception. Thanks to Kim’s fast action and WWR’s advice, a helpless baby was returned to his rightful place without needing human intervention beyond a helping hand.

A quiet summer day on the Cowichan River in Canada turned into an unforgettable rescue mission for the Belanger family. What began as a peaceful tubing trip soon became a life-changing encounter with one of nature’s most vulnerable creatures. A Cry for Help on the River As the family floated downstream, Liz Belanger was startled by faint cries echoing over the rapids. The sound was unlike any bird or insect she’d ever heard before. At first, she thought it might have been her imagination — until her 16-year-old son, Connor, drifted past the same spot and spotted the source. Struggling in the water was a tiny, helpless beaver kit, no more than a week old. The baby’s small body was being pulled by the current, her cries barely rising above the rush of water. Connor acted instantly. Reaching into the chilly river, he cupped his hand beneath the fragile kit. To his amazement, the baby instinctively latched onto his fingers, clinging tightly as if she knew he was her only chance of survival. Gently pulling her to his chest, Connor cradled the trembling animal against his body for warmth. “She trusted him immediately,” Liz recalled. “She just curled into his arms and closed her eyes. It was as if she knew she was finally safe.” A Family Protects Their Unexpected Passenger For the next several hours, the Belanger family floated downriver with their new companion. Connor, fiercely protective, refused to let his mom hold the kit at first. He wanted to make sure she stayed calm, warm, and safe in his embrace. As the tubing trip ended, the family carried the baby — later named Timber — back to their vehicle. Liz described how Timber nestled into her lap as she drove, occasionally making tiny nursing sounds as if she longed for her mother’s comfort. “She was the most adorable little creature I’d ever seen,” Liz said. “She would peek her eyes open, then snuggle right back down, completely trusting us.” After about four hours of care, the family transferred Timber to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA), a sanctuary experienced in raising and rehabilitating orphaned wildlife. Timber’s Tough Beginning Upon arrival, the rescue team quickly realized just how close Timber had come to death. “She was cold, dehydrated, and utterly exhausted,” explained Joanna Smith of NIWRA. “At that age, beaver kits are entirely dependent on their mothers. Without the Belanger family stepping in, she likely wouldn’t have survived.” Weighing just a few ounces, Timber required around-the-clock monitoring and gentle rehydration. For the first few days, her condition was touch-and-go. But her determined spirit began to shine through almost immediately. “Even so young, Timber had this incredible presence,” Smith said. “She’s confident, curious, and absolutely determined to survive.” A Hopeful Future for Timber Baby beavers typically remain with their mothers for more than a year, learning essential survival skills such as swimming efficiently, foraging, and building dams. Because Timber was orphaned so early, NIWRA will provide her with surrogate care until she’s strong enough to thrive on her own. Her caregivers are already seeing her adventurous side blossom. She explores her surroundings with determination, nibbling on twigs and testing her tiny paws in shallow pools of water. Each day she grows stronger, her future looking brighter thanks to the quick-thinking actions of one teenage boy and his family. When the time is right, Timber will be released back into the wild — most likely in the same region where she was rescued, so she can return to her natural habitat. Until then, she’ll continue to receive expert care, giving her the chance at life she nearly lost in the river. What could have been a tragic end became a story of hope because one teenager listened to his instincts and reached out. Timber’s rescue is a reminder of how closely humans and wildlife are connected, and how small acts of compassion can change the course of a life forever. Connor may have simply been tubing down the Cowichan River, but to Timber, he became a hero — the difference between despair and survival.