Groot goes back to the wild!  Our wonderful Seminole pup Groot was released last night at Jerry and Jim Czyzak’s property in Red Rock, TX.  Jerry found Groot in her swimming pool back in July and brought him to us for drinking lessons.  He soon learned to judge his angle better as he swooped down for a drink, but never forgot his pool experience.  We could never get him to take more than a drop of water, even on the hottest days when others drank a whole syringe!
Last night he went home and brought with him two female Seminole friends.  Those of us who witnessed the release have a feeling there will be lots more baby Seminoles at Jerry’s place next June! 🙂

The Seminole Girls were rescued by Tracy Rider and came to us from TWRC. They gave us so much joy as they learned to fly, then drink on the wing.  They were among the most dependable drinkers and were the subjects of many of the drinking videos.  Love these bats!

Best of luck Groot and you wonderful Seminole girls!  We loved getting to know you all and will miss hanging out with you in the flight cage!  We will keep with us your friendship and the memories of your trust in us. Thank you for being so patient with us and knowing we would find a great spot for you.  This property has tons of pine trees, part of the Lost Pines of the Bastrop area, and you all will make fine faux pine cones as you hang in the pines all day awaiting the nightly hunt. Our thoughts will be with you always.

Here’s Groot when he first came in as a juvy.  What a beautiful bat!


All the best to you Seminoles!  Long life!


  1. I was so happy to know that my little Groot would have a place to rehabilitate, learn, and grow!! Being able to release him and two friends at our property, was the best!!! Thank you Lee, and Diane for all you did to help my little guy, and all the others you give countless hours helping!!!
    Austin Bat Refuge is the greatest!!

    • Thanks Jerry! Getting Groot back to you was one of the most rewarding experiences we’ve had! Thanks for caring about the little guy! And thanks for providing a great spot for the Seminole Girls; we hope there will be lots of little Seminole pups out there next spring!

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