Bats in zoo collections require specialized care including adequate flight space, appropriate social grouping, and management that respects their nocturnal biology.
Bat welfare in captivity requires attention to species-specific needs that differ substantially from other mammals. Flight is central to bat biology and behavior — enclosures must provide enough vertical and horizontal space for sustained flight, not just short hops. Social housing matching natural colony structure is important for most species; isolation causes stress and abnormal behaviors. Temperature and humidity management is critical, particularly for species hibernating in winter. Food provision must match natural foraging behavior — many insectivorous species benefit from live insect presentation that stimulates hunting behavior. Noise management matters: excessive anthropogenic sound interferes with echolocation and causes chronic stress. Zoos with bat exhibits should follow EAZA and AZA guidelines and participate in regional stud books for threatened species.