A Young Champion for Bats: Meet Talia

At just eight years old, Talia has already become a passionate advocate for one of nature’s most misunderstood animals, bats.

For her 8th birthday, Talia made a big decision to donate half of her birthday money to WCS Canada to help protect bats.

Her favourite animals are bats. “A lot of people don’t think bats are cute, but I think they’re so cute,” she says. “I love everything about them.”

Talia’s passion for bats doesn’t stop at home. She even started a Bat Club at her school, where she and her friends draw bats, watch videos, and learn about these important animals. She has also borrowed a WCS Canada bat kit from her local library in Fort McMurray, hoping to hear bat echolocation for herself one day.

When asked why she wanted to help, Talia explained it with wisdom beyond her years. She highlighted the important role bats, as insect-eaters, play in healthy, sustainable farming, which benefits people's health.

Talia also knows the joy of giving back:

“It felt really good to donate the money to help. I care about bats a lot.”

Her dad, Mitch, couldn’t be prouder of Talia’s generosity and commitment. He hopes this experience helps her see that “even small actions can make a big impact.”

And Talia already has her eyes on the future. She wants to join a bat walk with WCS Canada to see these creatures up close in their natural habitat.

When asked what she would tell others to encourage them to support bats, her answer was simple but powerful: “Because without bats, our whole entire world would be different.”

Talia’s gift is a reminder that conservation has no age limits. Her enthusiasm, compassion, and curiosity shine a bright light on the next generation of wildlife champions.

You can join Talia in supporting bats or championing your favourite wildlife.