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The bat colony

Article published 19th Feb 09
The bat colony Stray

What:
The bat colony

Where:
Yarra Bend Park, Kew (Melway: 2DK6)

When:
Every day at dusk

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A few years ago, the powers that be decided that the gang of grey-headed flying foxes nesting in the Botanic Gardens needed to be moved on somewhere more appropriate. Seems these caped crusaders were a bit too smelly, a bit too noisy, a bit too REAL for all the uptight joggers who insist on calling the place ‘the Tan'. That, and the bats were trashing all the trees.

So, using a combination of deterrents and bribes, they were forced down to Yarra Bend park in Kew, where they rest to this day. It's a nice place for a walk or a barbecue regardless, but with the added attraction of 40,000 flying foxes, it's hard to beat. The place is literally thick with them, every tree laden with hundreds of twitching, chirping, sleepy little leather jackets.

When the sun goes down, these punk rockers of the animal kingdom take to the air and head into the city to raise hell. It's an awesome thing to witness and definitely preferable to staying in with a Stephanie Meyer novel.

By Max Olijnyk

Ambience: Outdoor

Difficulty: Exertion will pay off

Keywords: Kew, Park, Bats

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