Bats are among the most fascinating yet misunderstood creatures in the natural world, and for many conservationists, a single experience can ignite a lifelong passion for their study and protection. In the two inspiring blog posts below, interns Wongani Sibande and Alison Simpanzye share their transformative journeys at Kasanka National Park in Zambia, where they had the unique opportunity to work alongside Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation (MTBC) and Bats Without Borders (BwB).
From learning essential bat research techniques, such as mist-netting and species identification, to witnessing the breathtaking emergence of millions of African straw-colored fruit bats (Eidolon helvum), their stories capture the thrill of hands-on conservation work. Through mentorship, fieldwork, and community engagement, both authors found themselves deeply committed to protecting bats and educating others about their vital roles in ecosystems.
Read on to explore how their time at Kasanka National Park shaped their careers, strengthened their scientific skills, and deepened their appreciation for the incredible world of bats.
Wongani Sibande shares how an internship at Kasanka National Park and hands-on training with Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation ignited a passion for bat ecology and conservation.
Alison Simpanzye reflects on an unforgettable internship at Kasanka National Park, where hands-on bat research, wildlife surveys, and mentorship from conservation experts deepened his passion for protecting bats and bat habitats.
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Many bat conservationists know that Kasanka National Park in Zambia is an exceptional place for bats, but it is also the place that sparked my
The Kasanka Trust is a non-profit charitable institution, which secures the future of biodiversity in Kasanka National Park in Zambia. They welcome internships for students
MTBC’s Antoniya Hubancheva Award was established in honor of Antoniya Hubancheva—the recipient of our first student scholarship (thanks to a generous gift from our first director,
Merlin and MTBC team members spent 19 days in Costa Rica last November on a filming trip for “Bat City” with its Director and Emmy
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Madelline Mathis has a degree in environmental studies from Rollins College and a passion for wildlife conservation. She is an outstanding nature photographer who has worked extensively with Merlin and other MTBC staff studying and photographing bats in Mozambique, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Texas. Following college graduation, she was employed as an environmental specialist for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She subsequently founded the Florida chapter of the International DarkSky Association and currently serves on the board of DarkSky Texas. She also serves on the board of Houston Wilderness and was appointed to the Austin Water Resource Community Planning Task Force.
Michael Lazari Karapetian has over twenty years of investment management experience. He has a degree in business management, is a certified NBA agent, and gained early experience as a money manager for the Bank of America where he established model portfolios for high-net-worth clients. In 2003 he founded Lazari Capital Management, Inc. and Lazari Asset Management, Inc. He is President and CIO of both and manages over a half a billion in assets. In his personal time he champions philanthropic causes. He serves on the board of Moravian College and has a strong affinity for wildlife, both funding and volunteering on behalf of endangered species.
