UPDATE 7/29/22 : Current money raised sent! We will continue fundraising for more!
UPDATE 7/24/22 : We were able to raise $1,400! - until then, help us continue to raise funds by purchasing our “Magic of Bats” zine, learn more about their beauty, and stop the sale of bat products <3
Hello! Welcome to our fundraiser for bat conservation! Worldwide bat populations are in extreme decline and face increased dangers to their existence every day. At Oracle we LOVE our unusual nocturnal pollinators and want to do what we can to help raise awareness and support those working hard to protect these amazing creatures!
Although in the past we used to carry bat taxidermy and bones, we stopped a few years ago once we learned that it is not possible to ethically or sustainably source bats despite what many suppliers claim. When we know better, we try to do better.
That said, we unexpectedly came into a batch of old-stock bat skulls. We decided that the best thing we could do is use them as a fundraiser for bat conservation and take this opportunity to spread some bat love and awareness!
What will be available?!:
Fruit Bat Skulls (old stock*) mounted in Glass Cylinders - 12 available
Horseshoe Bat Skulls (old stock*) mounted in Glass Mini Domes - 11 available
“The Magic of Bats” Zine
*Because it is not truly possible to ethically source bats (this article from Newsweek explains why) , concerned oddities and curiosities shops have agreed to not sell bat taxidermy or parts… we came into this old-stock of bat skulls unexpectedly and are offering them only as a way to raise money for bat conservation efforts. We will not be offering any bat taxidermy or parts ongoing.
Why raise funds for bat conservation?
“No group of mammals has been more misunderstood, needlessly feared, or intensely persecuted than bats.”
- Merlin Tuttle, bat conservationist
Bats are essential to global environmental health. They control insect populations and pollinate plants (many crops humans cherish such as agave, cocoa, bananas, and eucalyptus to name only a few). They are an integral part of the world’s ecosystem. And they are in danger. Bat populations are declining at a devastating rate. Fears and misunderstandings about bats contributes to this problem as people do not protect (and often times actively seek to eliminate) that which they don’t understand.
So in addition to donating the proceeds from these old-stock bat skulls we decided to put together a zine all about these magical creatures! “The Magic of Bats: the Surprising Spirit of the Stewards of Sundown” is a zine packed with bat facts, statistics, ideas for how to help, and ways to harness the energy and spirit of the bat! $2 from the sale of every zine will be donated to bat conservation and by learning more… you’re helping the bats!
Who will we be donating to?
Ukrainian Bat Rehabilitation Center (http://batsukraine.org/en/) - The largest bat rehabilitation center in Europe and the only one in Ukraine. The professional biologists working for UBRC in Kharkiv have persisted in protecting and caring for their rescued bats despite unimaginable hardships during the war. Not only have they been protecting bats threatened by the usual dangers… but they have also had to rescue colonies threatened by shelling and fire near the frontline. Their dedication to continuing their work and protecting bats in unthinkable circumstances is staggering.
Don’t have the means to donate?
There are plenty of other ways that you can help bats; whether that’s sharing the word of this fundraiser or other bat conservation projects, dismantling misinformation, or just learning more about bats. Click here for links to other ways to help bats.
When will the fundraiser start and how long will it last?
The limited batch of old-stock skulls and “The Magic of Bats” zine will be available to purchase online and in our shop starting July 5th at 12pm. Once the skulls are sold out… that’s all there will be. We will continue to carry “The Magic of Bats” zine and donate a portion of its sales ongoing.
You can always donate directly to Bats of Ukraine or to Bat Conservation International (to whom we have collaborated and fundraised for in the past!) Please help us make a difference for these beloved sky puppies <3
Thank you so much for your support,
xo Oracle