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June Tooke, of the Inala Community Conservationist Association in Queensland, Australia, recently wrote concerning her pet Black Fruit Bat (Pteropus alecto). Her bat, named Boris, was adopted when its mother was electrocuted on a power line. Boris lived in the Tooke home in a fur bag until grown. After weaning, Mrs. Tooke gradually permitted Boris to roam her backyard garden. In November, 1982 her bat began to leave for two to three days at a time and finally did not return.
In April, 1983 Boris reappeared, and has continued to come back each evening at about 6:30. Boris waits in Mrs. Tooke's mango tree until called, then flies down and lands on her head. Boris is served dinner and often spends some time in her old fur ba g before departing at about 10:30 p.m. Yes, Boris is a her, as she is now conspicuously pregnant. Mrs. Tooke is anxiously waiting to see if Boris will return some evening with her baby. Hopefully, we will have an update.
(Editor's Note: Mrs. Tooke is an experienced animal rehabilitator. Although bats are highly intelligent, likeable animals, we do not recommend that they be sought as pets. Most require highly specialized diets, and sick bats, that at least in the New World might endanger one's health, are those most likely to be found.)
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