bat signals

When composer Washington Plada visited Bracken Cave to experience the “batnado” of 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) emerging from the cave, he was in awe. The experience inspired him to create a three-minute-long musical piece using the bats’ echolocation signatures. Now, music lovers can enjoy this string quartet set to visual representations of the batnado, which Plada is releasing this summer.

The piece begins with a quiet and serene depiction of Bracken Cave, capturing the stillness before dusk. Gradually, the composition comes to life as scattered rhythmic patterns and airy harmonics evoke the echolocation calls of the bats. As they take flight, the music intensifies, building in energy as the sky fills with movement. At its peak, the sound is dense and swirling, mirroring the overwhelming scale of the emergence. Then, as the final bats leave, the intensity fades, returning to silence.

See some of Bat Conservation International’s (BCI) dedicated scientists working to save the Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) on a new television series, “Extraordinary World with Jeff Corwin.” Hosted by the Daytime Emmy Award-winning wildlife conservationist, each episode focuses on professionals working to make an extraordinary impact on conservation, from those working in wildlife centers saving native species to individuals protecting birds from plastic litter in critical habitats in the United States.

The bat-focused episode highlights the collaborative efforts of BCI, Zoo Miami, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the team works to save the Florida bonneted bat. A film crew accompanied the team while they captured the Endangered species and deployed GPS units. This provided fundamental information on how the bats move around and use habitat within Miami-Dade County so the conservationists can implement strategies that continue supporting the largest Florida bonneted bat population in South Florida.

For Dr. Esther Hope, bats have always been more than just fascinating creatures. They have been cherished patients, lifelong inspirations, and a cause she’s proud to support.

Dr. Hope’s journey began in veterinary school at a wildlife rehab clinic where she cared for big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus). “They had distinct personalities,” she recalls. “It was a treat to feed them grubs, and when you touched their bodies, you could feel them buzz.” That experience left a lasting impression.

When Dr. Hope discovered Bat Conservation International (BCI), she was struck by its focus. “This is a group that could use my money,” she thought. “They’re not saving the most charismatic characters in wildlife—they’re doing the hard, necessary work to protect bats.”

Dr. Hope’s generosity to BCI has spanned over 30 years and has included monthly donations, gifts of stock, and one-time contributions. “I’m happy to help in any way I can,” she says. “Bats play such an important role in our ecosystems, and they need our support now more than ever.”