Social Media
Dear Friends and Supporters
Dear Friends and Supporters,Preview Changes
Internet harassment is on the rise and, unfortunately, Bat World Sanctuary and our Founder and President, Amanda Lollar, have been recent victims. We have been harassed and defamed by an individual who has a decade-long history of bullying and attempting to ruin the careers of professionals across the US. This individual attacked one of our strongest commitments – the one thing we fight the hardest for – the humane treatment of bats.
We have an upstanding reputation. To counter her deleterious allegations, we welcomed inspections by the City of Mineral Wells, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the USDA, and the Texas State Department of Health. Every official who investigated our facility found her allegations to be completely without merit:
From USDA: “ I have visited Bat World Sanctuary multiple times over the past three years. The facility has always been clean and well organized. I have never encountered a strong ammonia smell which is very common in many bat enclosures. The resident bats have always appeared healthy. The rehab bats and babies are housed in a separate quarantine area and this area has always been clean and the bats appeared to be receiving more than adequate care. I spoke with the local Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement Agent in the area. He concurred with my assessment. The place is clean and well organized and the bats look happy and healthy. There is absolutely no evidence confirming any of the accusations made by the complainant. On the contrary, Ms. Lollar appears to be providing exceptional care as required under the Animal Welfare Act.“
Click here to review complete results of the investigations.
The false claims made by this individual placed every bat in our care in jeopardy, including over 200 rescued orphans, bats who have lived peacefully with us for almost 20 years, and over 50,000 bats at our wild sanctuary. Had it not been for our well-established reputation with government officials, every bat in our care could have been destroyed by inhumane decapitation due to her outlandish claims.
Ironically, this individual alleges to be an advocate for animals.
Rather than battle our assailant quietly, we chose to meet this assault head-on. We’ve been able to do so because we have the support of one the best animal rights attorneys in the country, Randy Turner. Throughout this ordeal we have also maintained the support of numerous animal welfare groups around the world. As one spokesperson put it, “This could have been any of us.”
While this malicious attack has severely affected our donations, we have persevered, continuing to provide the highest level of care for the bats in our charge. We have not wavered in our mission – not at all, and we remain strong.
Our fortitude is strengthened when we look into the eyes of the bats whose lives we have saved. The grateful eyes of a starving orphaned bat pup who finally has a full stomach; the relieved eyes of a suffering bat who is no longer in pain; and the joyful eyes of an abused captive bat who has led a miserable life before coming to us – that is where our strength lies, and that is why we will prevail.
Harassment and bullying over the internet is a growing concern and we are not alone in being victimized in this manner. For those of you who may be experiencing something similar, please allow us to serve as an example that you CAN rise above it if you remain strong, and above all remember that truth is proof. For more information on our case please visit www.batworld.org/prevail
Thank you for your support.
Bat World Sanctuary
Don’t give in to the bullying. What a shame that people have nothing better to do with their pathetic lives than to harass and bully such a great organization as yours. As an animal lover I find myself always defending all types of animals. Not only do I love bats, cats, dogs, squirrels, etc. I also love birds. I’m a bird lover and yes I do love pigeons. I am constantly fighting with ignorant people. Please keep up the great work. You have people that will continue to defend you and what you are doing. If need be. Get the authorities involved and lets get this(these) creeps. Not that I condon bullying, but it can go both ways. Let your supporters get in touch with this woman and lets see who then runs and hides. Keep up the great work. Love you all!!!!
Back in the eighties, I volunteered as part of an HOA Board of Trustees. One Association member, who had personal issues with me, decided to publish a newsletter and distribute it to all my neighbors. He trashed me personally and ruined my reputation within my community. I, too, was forced to file litigation (at great personal expense) to hold this man accountable. I was able to stop him from publishing his newsletter and he disappeared from community politics, but my reputation was still ruined. We need criminal laws that protect people who are victims of this sort of willful defamation. Clearly, the woman in this case has a history of this sort of behavior and is likely judgment proof. Yet her words will live on and the damage will continue to accumulate, to the detriment of a great cause and some truly dedicated volunteers.
I love that we have free speech. And I love the internet. But we need changes to defamation law that keep pace with this new technology and criminalize this sort of wanton, intentional, misrepresentation that hurts people and organizations. It’s just wrong.
Good for you for meeting this head on. Shame on the bully who has filed inaccurate complaints and cost you money. Just paying off a vet bill for a beloved ferret that died but when it is paid off I will donate and “adopt” a bat. In the mean time I have been showing my animal loving friends your site and video of Lil’ Drac in hopes they will also take interest.
I think that Mary Cummins needs to read about Batworld rehabiliation center and Batworld videos on batworld.org, admit that she was wrong, apologize for harassing Batworld and learn from her heinous mistake known as harassing you, Amanda!
Wow! Again I cannot express my shock that this women would go to the extent to slander everything about Bat World down to poor Kizzy. I really hope that when all this is said and done she won’t be able to step foot in a court room again for any reason. She even went as far as wanting to know personal information about your father. Better watch her she’ll be trying to get her sick and twisted claws on him too. Amanda I am again sorry that you’re still putting up with her harassment.
Bat World is a great place for sick, homeless, orphaned, and abandoned bats who would have died had Amanda not taken them in and cared for them. She gives them the closest environment to their real environment she can. That speaks loudly! Most would put them in a cold bright cage and use them for their own gain. Amanda keep up the good work.
I just discovered Bat World through a beautiful online video about Little Drac, a rescued baby bat who was orphaned due to his mother’s stressful move from a zoo. I have never been to any of your facilities but I must say you are a wonderful organization! I am simply horrified and sickened that your donations have been affected because of some psychopath on the internet–the idiot lunatic woman clearly cares not a thing for animals. Please, keep fighting the good fight. You are truly incredible and beautiful people
This is horrible, I am so sorry that this is happening to you. I think the work you do is wonderful, and it is sad that someone can be so vindictive. I am just disgusted. Good luck to you, and thank you for saving the bats!
I am SO saddened to hear that the rescue site has had harrassment by some uneducated person that obviously doesn’t have a real life or true information.
I did rescue in Brownwood Texas, after finding two downed red bats in my garage. I, at the time, was not at ALL informed regarding bats. I put first a little twig down to them, to see if they were alive and they opened their wings and then “reached’for the twig with their sweet little “fingers” at the end of their wings. I put down my little finger, and them brought them into the house…got ahold of Amanda Lollar and the rest for me was wonderful history and a blessed experience. I feel that with ALL the wonderful work the Sanctuary has done that these wonderful creatures will continue to be understood and loved and cared for. Thank you for helping ME understand and love these fantastic sweet creatures.
Miss Donna’:)
I wonder if this wack-job even knows the kind of karma she is creating for herself. I say let her dig her own grave. In the end, she’ll get hers.
I have only been to the Bat World for a couple of years now but from everything I have seen and read they are doing a great job.
If I were bat, I would want to be at Bat World if I could not be in the wild.
I may only be one person, but the world was started with one person and look at us now.
Go get em Bat World
So, just out of curiosity, what is your harasser’s connection to PETA/ELF/ALF/the H$U$, etc.? (Obviously there IS one, as her behaviour comes straight out of the PETA/H$U$ playbook).
I discovered Bat World and met Amanda (over the internet) about a decade ago. I’ve read her book, and watched her site, donated and supported in many ways. And I would be happy to continue to support her and Bat World. She’s a wonderful person and done so much to educate people (including me!) about these beautiful flying mammals. I hope this rotten apple doesn’t spoil everything.
There’s no much left to say. Such a pitty you have to deal with this kind of persons and waste your time and energy. In spite of the fact I don’t know Amanda -I haven´t even ever been to the USA- I have a high regard for her and what she does. All my support from Argentina. (Please excuse my english)
Dear Amanda
Due to an excess of work on wildlife rehabilitation I have been unable to get in contact with you but what I read upsets me beyond words. I had the honor to work with you in the workshop and after and observed only the highest standards of care and compassion for bats, higher than any other institution or group. The love you have for the animals and your dedication have been the guideline for many professionals and should be the standards for working with wildlife.
I am ashamed to hear that anyone in the wildlife rehabilitation would do that to you, but people are around to get fame at the expense of greater people whose mission is higher than petting an animal and taking a few injured creatures, you actually have practiced conservation helping many species of bats and ecosystems.
Thank you for all you do and your strength
Ischel Bianco
You are defined by what you do, not by the unfounded remarks of a malicious, greedy nitwit. Keep up the good work, Amanda. Judy
Oh man. Mary Cummins is a very sick person. I looked at the other pages you linked on the court case page — did everyone see there’s an actual blog page put up to list the many victims of Ms. Cummins’ harrassment? Wow. I’m sorry you’re having to go through this terrible waste of your time and resources. Please keep up the good work, and know that you have my support!
All of the personal and professional support professed in these posts is laudable. It helps people who don’t know the parties involved understand that the Cummins woman is simply an unstable pitiful human being, lashing out at the world and any individual targets she can latch onto. These comments provide clear evidence that Ms. Lollar and Bat World Sanctuary are above reproach, and are victims of an unstable person’s obsessions which the Internet allows to be taken to extremes beyond a rational person’s ability to imagine.
I hope some of us who are sickened by what has been done here are able to also make some kind of financial show of our support to help defray the legal costs that Bat World Sanctuary must have incurred to deal with this insanity. I haven’t seen any requests from BWS for support to help defray their legal expenses. The absence of such requests reflects their professional way of conducting business. But I’ll be sending my check in tomorrow’s mail anyway. Use it for whatever needs you may have – to cover legal costs, or to continue your admirable work. I hope you’re able to get this incident behind you quickly.
This is an unusual position for me – for once, I am ON the side of the alleged animal abuser! And I am completely comfortable in my support of Amanda Lollar. Although I have never had the pleasure of attending Bat Boot Camp (I have not given up that goal though)I have dealt with Amanda numerous times, and some of my closest friends know her very well. I have read & continue to use her protocols for raising and treating bats at my wildlife rehab clinic. I trust Amanda completely, and am saddened and enraged by this vindictive assault on her character. After all she has done for the rehabbing of bats, now she has to spend time defending herself? Really? Not in my mind. Mary, can’t you find another hobby? Maybe take up basket-weaving in your own home?
Amanda is best when it comes to bat rehabilitation. Its a shame that Mary just can’t let her be. It really makes me mad! Bat World is a great facility, clean, the bats are LOVED and well taken care of. Amanda pretty much gave up her life to care for bats.It’s too bad Bat World can’t exist in peace without people like her causing trouble. Mary should not be a rehaber she exploits her rescued animals and its a shame how she treats them. Amanda I’ll be praying for you. God Bless.
We were just sickened after reading these slanderous accusations against Amanda. She has given her life over to the care and protection of her bats. This Mary person must be insanely jealous that she cannot (nor ever will have, I suspect) the kind of respect and admiration that Amanda has. Fred and I are behind you, Amanda, 100%. Don’t hesitate to ask if there is anything you need.
My experience with Amanda is not as extensive as those who commented above. My curious nature makes me wonder ” Does Mary Cummins rehab 24/7, live with a huge colony, and renowned in her field ?” Or is she ‘viewing’ video clips from a perspective without all the facts? I have been to Bat World and volunteered. I have nothing but the highest regard and respect for her.
I was a member of Amanda’s first Bat World Bootcamp. I was amazed at her knowledge and selflessness in caring for these bebautiful winged mammals. The information and hands-on training made it possible for me to return to my home south of Houston and care for bats from Houston to Corpus Christi,Tx. Amanda was always a phone call away when I had questions or needed encouragement.
The book that she co-authored on the “Care and Rehabilitation of Insectivorous Bats” is a life-saver. In fact, it convinced my Vet to change his mind on whether permitted Texas Wildlife Rehabilitators should be allowed to care for sick/injured/orphaned bats.
I have known Amanda for more than a decade and can honestly say that she is one of the most humane, dedicated and knowledgeable people I have ever encountered in the care of bats. She may have an empty fridge for people food however, she never skimps on the care of her animals! I wish we had more people like her in the world!
It is unfortunate that BatWorld has had to shift its focus from caring for bats to defending itself against someone who appears to have a vendetta against Amanda. Amanda has always been professional and caring, and has done more for bats than anyone I know. Hang in there Amanda. I am sorry that you have had to go through this. There are many unstable people in the world. Remember that the best revenge is doing well. Those who know you and your work with/for bats stand with you.
I think if you look at the professional comments made here it says it all. I also looked up Bat World’s legal counsel, Randy Turner, and he is considered ‘Texas Super Lawyer’ 2009, 2010, 2011. Does anyone really think a lawyer of that stature would represent someone if they were not 100% in the right? Cummins is a nasty piece of work.
I have spent time at BatWorld and regularly use everything I learned there. I rehabilitate wild bats, treat captive bats at the zoo, and educate veterinary students using Amanda’s notes and books. The world needs more places like BatWorld and more people like Amanda who are committed to conservation and animal welfare. I will continue to support the work done at BatWorld 100%.
Just reading the statements on Ms. Cummins Facebook page tells me she’s making the whole thing up. The wording that supposedly came from the Texas veterinary board is not even how they say things. I’ve known Amanda for years and completely support her in this matter.
DFW Wildlife Coalition http://www.DFWwildlife.org has worked with BatWorld and partnered on many calls we’ve received with bats needing help. As well, some of our members have attended Bat World’s boot camps. We have always found Amanda and BatWorld to operate at the highest level of professionalism, and you have our utmost respect for all you do. If we can help in any way, please do let us know. Kathy Milacek & Prudi Martin Koeninger, Co-Directors, DFW Wildlife Coalition
I am so pleased to hear that the court granted your injunction. These allegations are absurd, as anyone who has met the folks at Bat World, including Amanda Lollar, would know. I have never met people more devoted to a cause than Amanda and her staff. What a ridiculous situation for you to have to deal with. Keep up the great work, Bat World.
This is sad and disgraceful when one pathetic angry frustrated person can cause so much agony to people so good. I just suffered through the same crap inch due to an ACO and someone I trained working with her that had mental issues I was unaware of. The judge too cleared it and extolled my 30 years of healing work ..suit on the way. I am pleased to see you all band together to continue your invaluable work! Keep your heads up, shoulders back, and keep working with love and commitment. Karma will sort it out.peace and respect.Jen
Without all the hard work of Amanda Lollar and her supporters Bat World would not be there to help save and protect bats not only in USA but around the world as all of us involved in bat care have benefited from Amanda’s dedication to bats. We are all in debt to Amanda for all she has shared in bat care on behalf of the bats who are now back out and continuing with their lives thanks to the passing on of her care knowledge. Thank you Amanda and may Bat world go on from strength to strength. I am sure a lot more positive things for bats will come out of this persons sick negativity.
It is sad that such an incredibly unhappy, miserable, and obviously unsuccessful human being should waste your time and resources as well as the courts of this land. I hope there is a blacklist for such people that can be used to keep them from using all social media and any public agencies, at least until they get psychiatric help and are cured of their sociopathic ways.
I am sorry, Amanda, that you became one of her targets!
Amanda is a true bat advocate, as a past bootcamper and trainer at Bat World (Mineral Wells) with over 20 years experience as a rehabber I can attest to her dedication and tireless work both as a rehabber and educator. I traveled from Australia to learn from and work with Amanda, I regularly refer other bat rehabbers to her for advice and use the material Amanda has written in my teaching program. I am sorry you had to go through this, what a waste of your time and energy. You will always have my support.
Gerardine Hawkins
Shoalhaven Bat Hospital
NSW.
Australia
I, too, am appalled at the vindictive nasty nature of this woman (Cummins). Maybe she needs to get a real job or some psychotherapy because she is nuttier than a fruitcake.
I firmly stand in support of Amanda and those who give of their time and knowledge to care for the bats who live at the Sanctuary as well as educate those who seek to learn how to give any and all insectivorous bats a chance. Blessings to Bat World Sanctuary(s) and may that putrid bag of bile Cummins never, ever darken their doors again.
Bat World is a first class organization, and I support it wholeheartedly. Without ever meeting Amanda, I can still see how much she cares for the well being of the bats from the way the bats interact with her in the videos. Van Gogh scampers playfully up to her again and again, and he wouldn’t do that unless she had earned his trust. Again in the sample chapter of her ebook one can see her concern for the comfort and well being of orphan bat pups as she gives detailed explanations of how to feed the pups, how to keep them warm and clean and how to position them while feeding so that they feel safe.
Over the last two decades this organization has saved thousands of bat pups, educated people (like me) about the value of bats, and produced useful information (like the ebook) to help people who want to help bats. I hope that the malicious comments of one person will not impede the valuable work of this organization.
I have followed Amanda Lollar and her organization regularly and have learned so much from this wonderful rescue and educational group. Amanda’s reputation is impeccable, and her devotion is limitless as are those of her Board members. To have a disgruntled person try to tarnish Amanda’s and Bat World Sanctuary’s reputation and try to undo her fabulous reputation is unconscionable. The mean spiritedness of some people is just unacceptable. Amanda, you have my support as always, I am glad to see that you have fought and won against this injustice.
Anything whatsoever that we can do, name it.
I was dumbfounded when I read what was happening and thrilled to see the results of your efforts. You have our support and know how to reach us if we can help you.
You give the rest of us strength to do what we do for animals and continue doing it despite the greatest of adversities.
Thank heavens you picked up that first little disabled bat and started Bat World. The fortitude it took to build the world renowned organization you have is once again shown through during very trying times the magnitude of which I cannot even begin to imagine.
OMG, this nut job that targeted you is a disgrace to the human race. She could have cost the lives of thousands of bats. Numbers that we cannot afford to lose any more than we can afford to lose you, Amanda, Bat World and everyone associated with your outstanding organization.
I have worked with Amanda Lollar and Bat World Sanctuary in a professional capacity for years and it is disgusting that these malicious statements have been made. Please know that you have my continued support.
I am so sorry to read about this.
We have worked with Amanda Lollar since 2005. She has always been and is a caring and concerned advocate for bats. I have no hesitation or reservations in continuing to support Amanda and the Bat World Sanctuary.
DRURY R. REAVILL, DVM
ABVP, Certified in Avian Practice
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists
Zoo/Exotic Pathology Service
It is unfortunate when a low-life goes after such a fine organization that has done so much (with so little) to advance the cause of bats and educate so many.
I am so sorry that Amanda Lollar and Bat World have been made to suffer through this defamation — it is unbelievably cruel.
I wonder what Mary hoped to achieve through this process — the ones that would ultimately suffer from these accusations are the bats!
I have been to Bat World and have seen first-hand how things are done there, and to what extent Amanda Lollar goes to ensure that each and every bat that enters her facility has the best possible care.
Additionally, through her research, advice, publications and training opportunities, hundreds of thousands of bats have been, and will continue to be, saved by other rehabilitators worldwide.
Bat World is one of the few organizations that I believe in whole-heartedly, and support financially.
I will continue to do so, and hope that no long-term damage has been done through this horrific slander.