With International Bat Week upon us, we wanted to profile one researcher who better helped us understand Florida’s winged wonders: Jen Eells. Jen, a biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), had a deep passion for small mammals, especially bats. Jen’s journey took her across the country, from studying endangered beach mice to researching the disease ecology of Florida grasshopper sparrows. But her love for bats, in particular, drove her to pursue conservation with unmatched dedication.
Tragically, Jen passed away in a car accident on July 22, 2024 while conducting critical bat monitoring research in north Florida. Her commitment to preserving bat populations and their ecosystems is a legacy that continues to inspire her colleagues.
In her honor, the FWC North Central Region will host the Annual Jen Eells Memorial Bat-House Construction and Education Workshop on the last Friday of October. This event not only celebrates Jen’s legacy but also supports ongoing bat conservation efforts—work that is essential to the health of Florida’s ecosystems. Our Foundation is honored to support this event for Jen’s peers and continue her legacy for saving our winged wonders by funding a yearly $5,000 small mammal memorial internship in her honor.
If you’d like to support research on Florida’s most vulnerable bat species, consider a donation to our Florida Bonneted Bat Fund in honor of Jen’s legacy.
