Step into the mysterious world of bats like never before at the immersive, multi-sensory exhibit, Bats: Out of the Darkness, at the Richmond Nature Park from March 8 to August 24, 2025.

This dynamic exhibit, presented by the Richmond Nature Park Society and on loan from the Kelowna Museum, showcases the fascinating lives of bats through a family-friendly experience.

Visitors can uncover the world of bats and explore their ecological importance and habitats, along with the vital role bats play in controlling inspect populations and pollinating plants. Guests are also encouraged to discover the deep cultural significance of bats through Indigenous perspectives, and gain insight into the challenges bats face, including habitat loss, disease and human misconceptions.

Bats: Out of the Darkness features hands-on displays, including bat taxidermy and interactive elements such as audio-visual presentations. The entire exhibit offers an engaging way for visitors of all ages to learn more about these incredible creatures and highlight the importance of bat conservation efforts and ways the public can help protect these vital flying mammals.

Richmond is the Lower Mainland’s first “Bat Friendly” certified city, and on Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9, chiropterologists (bat experts) will be at the Nature House to answer questions about bat biology, behaviour and the ongoing efforts to conserve bat populations. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with local experts and better understand bats and their role in British Columbia’s natural environment.

The Nature House is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is by donation.

For more information about the exhibit, visit richmond.ca/NaturePark.

About the Kelowna Museum’s Bats: Out of the Darkness Travelling Exhibit

Developed by the Kelowna Museum in collaboration with scientists, chiropterologists, environmental educators and representatives from the Syilx/Okanagan Nation, Bats: Out of the Darkness aims to highlight the critical need for bat conservation in British Columbia. By focusing on local bat species and their importance to our environment, the exhibit encourages the public to recognize these creatures as essential allies in sustaining the health of ecosystems. Through this exhibit, visitors are encouraged to take action in protecting bat habitats and help mitigate threats like climate change, disease and habitat destruction.

For more details, visit the Kelowna Museum website.