"BATSTOCK" is NJ's answer to International "Bat Night” —a global event highlighting these fascinating animals celebrated world-wide on August 25th 2012.

"BATSTOCK" is the brainchild of bat specialist Joe D'Angeli, Director of The Wildlife Conservation and Education Center, and The Wildlife Conservation Foundation, Inc. - an educational wildlife center dedicated to bat conservation and education.

The bat center is open to the public every weekend throughout the year to bat lovers worldwide. 

In autumn of 2010, the United Nations declared 2011-2012 as International Year of the Bat.

The aim of Year of the Bat is to raise global awareness about bats, bat conservation and the unique role bats’ play in our environment. Bat Conservation International (BCI) in Austin, Texas, EuroBats of Germany, UNEP Convention of Migratory Species (CMS), and dozens of others organizations across the world are planning events in celebration of these flying mammals. 

“As a founding partner for Year of the Bat, BCI is looking forward to the exciting events that will be occurring throughout next year,” said Nina Fascione, BCI’s Executive Director.  “For centuries, negative myths and misinformation have generated needless fears and threatened bats and their habitats. Year of the Bat will help educate people around the world about the benefits of bat and knowledge is the key.”

And bats need more help than ever. Since 2006, millions of hibernating bats have died from a disease known as White-nose Syndrome (WNS), named for a cold-loving white fungus typically found on the faces and wings of infected bats.

WNS causes bats to awaken more often during hibernation and use up the stored fat reserves that are needed to get them through the winter. Infected bats often emerge too soon from hibernation and are seen flying around in midwinter.

These bats usually freeze or starve to death. All proceeds collected will go to White Nose Syndrome research, local bat rehabbers and to bat conservation efforts.