Flying foxes: Extinction Rebellion protest dispersal from Cairns CBD

Bat activists say the terrible screams of mums and pups can be heard from the ground as a forced flying fox relocation effort clears the 100-day mark.

Wildlife Carers FNQ members using a large cherry picker to rescue abandoned baby flying fox pups at council library trees. Picture: Stewart McLean

BAT activists have railed against Cairns Regional Council’s forced relocation of flying foxes from the Cairns CBD, saying the dispersal efforts were causing undue stress during the heat and breeding season.

Council officers have rescued a small number of flying fox pups as their mums circled the former colony near Cairns Library.

Carol Byfield of Extinction Rebellion said the dispersal effort, now running at more than 100 days, was cruel.

“It’s really illegal to operate while the animals are under stress,” Ms Byfield said.

Wildlife Carers FNQ member Cheryl Hudson with two rescued abandoned baby flying fox pups at council library trees. Picture: Stewart McLean

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“The babies are screaming and the mothers are screaming, it’s horrific.”

A regional council spokesman said Department of Environment and Science officers had approved the actions.

“They advised council officers that there were no concerns with the actions and that council was conforming with requirements of the code of practice,” he said.

“An ecologist and bat carer are on site each morning to monitor the dispersal activities and ensure the welfare of the flying foxes.

“At this stage there have been no reported deaths of abandoned pups at this site, as opposed to last year’s birthing season.”

Originally published as Flying foxes: Extinction Rebellion protest dispersal from Cairns CBD