Our Story
How Lubee Began
Lubee Bat Conservancy was founded in 1989 by Luis F. Bacardi as a conservation, breeding, and research center focused on endangered animals. In its early years, Lubee explored a broad range of conservation efforts before narrowing its mission to Old World fruit bats, a focus that continues to this day.
Lubee Bat Conservancy receives no financial support from Bacardi.
​​​​One of Lubee’s first major milestones occurred in 1990, when the organization supported a landmark international conference that resulted in the Pacific Island Flying Fox Declaration. This declaration called for safeguards against the over-exploitation of flying foxes and the destruction of the rainforest ecosystems upon which they depend. The declaration helped elevate global awareness of bat conservation and set the tone for Lubee’s ongoing international work.
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Since then, Lubee has remained committed to advancing bat conservation worldwide through science, education, and collaboration.
Growing Into Conservation
Over time, Lubee evolved into a global leader in fruit bat care, husbandry, and medical management. Based in Gainesville, Florida, the conservancy is home to more than 200 bats, many of whom are non-releasable and receive lifelong care in a professionally managed environment.
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As a USDA-registered and AZA-accredited zoological institution, Lubee maintains the highest standards of animal welfare, ethical care, and facility management. These standards guide every aspect of the organization’s daily operations and long-term planning.
Conservation, Education, and Global Impact
Working alongside conservation scientists, educators, and zoological professionals around the world, Lubee has addressed a wide range of threats facing endangered bat species. Field projects have been conducted in more than 25 countries, supporting initiatives focused on habitat protection, sustainable livelihoods, and community engagement.
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Education has always been central to Lubee’s mission. With a strong emphasis on children and community outreach, Lubee’s education programs in Florida reach over 30,000 people annually, fostering understanding of the vital relationship between bats, ecosystems, and human health.
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Internationally, Lubee’s work has included the empowerment of women’s groups, job creation, forest protection, and the construction of schools in areas of critical need.
Lubee Today
Today, Lubee Bat Conservancy is the only bat conservation organization in the world that houses endangered bats while also maintaining active, ongoing conservation and education programs. Through a combination of animal care, research, public engagement, and global partnerships, Lubee continues to advance bat conservation on a meaningful scale.
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Lubee also maintains an active online presence, connecting with millions of people worldwide to share knowledge, promote conservation, and inspire appreciation for bats and the ecosystems they support.