MISSION & PURPOSE
Mission
Lubee Bat Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving bats and their habitats through conservation, education, and awareness, with a focus on children and community engagement.
Purpose
Lubee places animal care, conservation, and education as its three core institutional purposes. Animal welfare is held to the highest standard ensuring the collection receives the best care in line with modern zoological practices and philosophies. Our local and global conservation education programs connect children with nature, foster environmental stewardship, and inspire the next generation of conservation scientists to become leaders within their communities.
HISTORY
Lubee was founded in 1989 by Luis F. Bacardi* as a conservation, breeding and research center for endangered animals. After three years, the center narrowed its focus to Old World fruit bats that are still cared for to this day. *Please note that Lubee receives no financial support from Bacardi.
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Lubee’s first big success was in 1990 when it supported a landmark conference that resulted in the Pacific Island Flying Fox Declaration. This Declaration pledged to safeguard against the over-exploitation of flying foxes and the rainforests upon which they depend on and maintain. Since then, Lubee has continued to push for the conservation of bats worldwide.
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LUIS F. BACARDI
Lubee is the global leader in fruit bat care, husbandry, and medical management. Located in Gainesville, Florida, over 150 bats are housed on property, spending their days playing, socializing, and interacting with their roost mates. As a USDA registered and AZA certified related zoological institution, Lubee ensures that the animals and facilities are maintained to the highest ethical standards. Working with a team of conservation scientists, educators and zoological professionals around the world, Lubee has addressed diverse threats faced by endangered species. Field projects have been conducted in 25 countries and our education programs continue to inform the public about the critical relationship between bats, ecosystems and human health. With a focus on children and community engagement, our education programs in FL continue to reach over 30,000 people annually. Projects have included empowerment of women's groups, job creation, forest protection, and construction of schools in areas of critical need.
Lubee is the ONLY bat conservation organization in the world that houses endangered bats while maintaining active conservation and education programs.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION POLICY
​​​​​Lubee Bat Conservancy pledges to create and maintain an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences. Just as we value and celebrate the diversity of our animal collection, Lubee celebrates the diversity of our human community and workforce. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to everyone, and that our staff and volunteers reflect the multicultural fabric that is Florida.
Lubee assures each applicant and employee equal opportunities without regard to that person’s race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, national origin, marital status, or political opinions/affiliations. Except as provided by law, Lubee assures equal opportunity in recruitment, appointment, training, promotion, demotion, compensation, retention, discipline, separation, or other employment practices. Lubee likewise assures equal opportunity to any disabled person who is an applicant or employee, with respect to the employment practices specified above. Lubee acknowledges and honors the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals.
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