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Students Get Insight Right Off The Bat

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2007

PORT RICHEY - Amun Ra can perform a neat trick, though any other Egyptian fruit bat probably could pull this off.

Here is how it goes: Amun Ra's handler, Denise Tomlinson, holds him at arm's length and lets him free.
Amun Ra flaps his wings and speeds directly to Tomlinson's chest, then latches on to the top of her shirt where he hangs, secure he has found a safe haven.

When Amun Ra and Tomlinson performed that trick twice Thursday - an encore being necessary because Amun Ra moved so quickly - students at Bishop Larkin Catholic School applauded loudly.

They also didn't appear frightened. In Tomlinson's world, that's a good thing.

As director of Bat World Everglades in Fort Ogden, Tomlinson rescues injured or orphaned bats and educates the public about the nocturnal creatures.

One of her chief goals is easing fears and dispelling myths.
Tomlinson has been caring for bats and educating the public about them for 15 years.

Ronnie Blair

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