The Daily

'Animal,' Episode 6: Bats

9 snips
Jul 7, 2024
A journey through the Yucatán Peninsula unfolds as fear of bats transforms into fascination. The ecological impact of bats is explored, showcasing their vital role in maintaining ecosystems. Amidst adventure, themes of family bonds and personal growth intertwine with reflections on life and loss. Stories of a boy's passion for bats and the enchanting embrace of nature offer both humor and profundity. The captivating emergence of bats at a volcanic site brings a unique blend of contemplation and wonder, highlighting the delicate beauty of these often-misunderstood creatures.
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ANECDOTE

D.H. Lawrence's "Bat"

  • Sam Anderson dislikes bats and cites D.H. Lawrence's poem "Bat" as the worst thing he's ever read.
  • The poem describes bats negatively, ending with "In China, the bat is symbol for happiness. Not for me!"
ANECDOTE

Sam's Bat Fear

  • Sam is traveling with his friend Alan to the Yucatan to confront his fear of bats.
  • His family teases him about his fear, particularly a story where he allegedly shoved his mother-in-law to avoid a bat.
INSIGHT

The Carnivorous Bat

  • Rodrigo Medellin, a bat expert, shows Sam a picture of a terrifying Vampirium Spectrum bat.
  • This bat, with a dog-sized body and hawk-like wingspan, subverts Sam's expectations about bats only eating insects.
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