Edmonton Valley Zoo’s nocturnal wing reopens after renovations

The Edmonton Valley Zoo's nocturnal wing is once again open to the public, showcasing a newly renovated habitat for its 92 Jamaican fruit bats. The extensive upgrades aim to provide a more naturalistic and engaging environment for the bats while improving the visitor experience.

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We installed a new back wall there, so it’s like a replica cave and what it does is it allows the entire back wall of that exhibit to be usable space for them.

Key improvements include the installation of a new back wall designed to mimic a cave, significantly expanding the usable space for the bats. Additionally, a modernized misting system replaces the old, noisy equipment, creating a quieter atmosphere. The lighting has also been upgraded, allowing visitors to observe the bats more easily without interfering with their natural circadian rhythms.

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The other major upgrade we did for them is the misting system. The original one was pretty loud and clanky and was due for an upgrade, so now they have one that’s fairly quiet.

These renovations began in February, during which the entire bat colony was relocated. Animal care crew lead Trevor Hickey explained that each bat underwent a quick inspection by veterinarians, checking their teeth and listening to their hearts. The zoo's Jamaican fruit bat colony, weighing about 20-25 grams each, arrived from the Vancouver Aquarium in 2009. Hickey highlighted their ecological importance as pollinators and seed dispersers.

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Each one got caught, the vets gave it a quick inspection, they looked at their teeth, listened to their hearts.

The refreshed nocturnal wing officially reopens on July 4. Hickey expressed hope that the improved exhibit will help visitors overcome common fears associated with bats. "Bats are a much-maligned species, so being able to see them in a safe, more controlled environment allows people to get over those fears and maybe learn something about them," he said.

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Super cool species. They’re just little guys. They weigh maybe 20-25 grams and they’re pollinators and they’re seed dispersers so super important for the environment.