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.
