Bats vs Coronavirus!
The new coronavirus COVID-19 that has been labelled by the World Health Organisation as a global pandemic, is thought to have originated in the Huanan seafood market (China) through close interaction or interference between people and animals. The origin and mechanism of transferal of COVID-19 is currently unknown. The infection has since been spread from person to person.
Bats are known to host a number of viruses closely related to COVID-19, but generally these viruses are not transferable to humans. On the rare occasion that viruses are transferred from bats to humans, it occurs when people come into very close contact with the animal – i.e. during their handling, killing, preparation and eating. Viewing the annual migration of up to 10 million straw- coloured fruits bats at Kasanka National Park will not put guests at risk of capturing COVID-19 from bats.
The Kasanka Management Team
- Bats represent no danger to our guests and staff members
- There have not been any human outbreaks of SARS or other coronaviruses linked to bats on the continent
- The Kasanka bat migration is unique in the world and is of great national pride
- Straw-coloured fruit bats are frugivores, meaning they feed on fruit, not blood
- Bats are necessary to the conservation of the Kasanka National Park biodiversity
- Bats are an essential element of our ecosystem
- Do NOT eat bats!
- Do NOT hurt bats!
The Truth About Bats!
Produced by Emily Stanford
Bats are some of the world’s most misunderstood mammals. Despite the direct benefits bats bring to society (by pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and controlling pest populations) bats are often villainized in myths.
Emily Stanford went on a year-long global expedition to explore how different cultures perceive bats and how these perceptions ultimately impact bat’s survival.
The documentary will be shown at the 2020 Wildlife Conservation Film Festival!
"The world needs a video like this so badly right now."
"It is a fantastic length to allow for great information without bombarding a non-scientist with too much."
"Remarkable work. You deserve
to be proud!"
Must-Read!
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