【Ashley Lopez Archives】

The Ashley Lopez ArchivesMuseum of English Rural Life is already internet-famous because of its animal tweets. The thicc ram has nothing on a live bat, however.

This story actually started back in Nov. 2018 when a bat was discovered just chilling out near the ceiling of the museum's book store. The museum called in an expert: retired librarian and licensed batworkerRose-Ann Movsovic -- also a museum volunteer.

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What a rad hobby. Movsovic actually tweeted out a photo of the adorable little critter back in November, but that was all we were told at the time.

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Now, the museum -- or MERL, as it's often called -- is ready to tell the whole story. First, the bat was inspected. Closely. NSFW?

That examination is actually what led to the exact species of bat being identified. It turns out these little rascals are relative newcomers to the UK. As MERL notes, they hail from the Baltic states and have migrated to Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

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As of Feb. 2019, little Merlin is still in the care of Movsovic. He's apparently participating in a project aimed at helping researchers better understand the species' migratory habits.

But! Under Movsovic's care he's also been learning how to live as a normal-sized adult bat that can fly. He was an underweight baby bat when the museum found him, you see.

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Hopefully Merlin will be free soon. Until then, we get to marvel at this adorable little wingmouse with his tiny button nose and his very relatable money stress.

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Since you're here, follow MERL's advice and take a few minutes to learn more about bats, why they're important, and how you can help ensure their healthy continued existence.

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