The Sydney Headquarters
Centennial Park's Lachlan Swamp is the location of the Sydney headquarters for our flying fox superheroes. We are telling you because we think we can trust you with this top-secret information.
Where Do the Flying Foxes Live?
Flying foxes have been visiting Centennial Park for a long time, but they only set up their main camp here in 2010. Their old home in the inner city became too small for such a big colony, so they moved to a new spot—Lachlan Swamp, right inside the park!
[Image: Map showing Lachlan Swamp in Centennial Park and surrounding area]
More than 40,000 flying foxes have been spotted in the trees at Centennial Park. They sleep there during the day after a big night of:
- Spreading pollen
- Dispersing seeds
- Flying long distances
- And... yes, doing lots of poo!
What Does Their Habitat Look Like?
Their home is filled with tall trees where they hang upside down in huge numbers. It's noisy, smelly, and full of life!
A Fun (and Gross) Fact!
If you visit Centennial Park, look up—you might see the flying foxes hanging upside down in the trees.
But watch out!
If you see one pulling itself upright with its strong climbing claw, it might be getting ready to poo or wee. Step back—you don’t want to be under that!
Activities
Report on facts about the Flying fox
- Find a partner.
- Pretend one of you is the news reporter and the other is a Flying Fox, the special guest.
- In your interview, make sure to ask interesting questions, you could start with:
Why did you move to a new home?
Why did you choose Centennial Park?
Why should people like Flying foxes?
How can people help Flying foxes?
- Now see if you can be more creative and ask some original questions.
Build a Flying Fox Headquarters using natural materials.
- Go out into the playground and use natural materials (like sticks, leaves, bark, etc.) to make a model of a perfect Flying Fox home.
Your headquarters should include:
- Trees for flying foxes to hang in
- Trees with flowers or fruit to eat
- A place to cool down and drink when it’s hot
- Safe fences to keep out dogs and other dangers
- Paths so people can visit and learn
- Picnic tables far from where bats might poo!
2. Then, show it to a friend, explain your ideas, and compare your designs.
[Image: Ephemeral nature artwork representing a flying fox habitat.]
Images 1 & 2: Centennial Parklands
Video: Flying foxes in Lachlan Swamp. Credit: Jenny Lynch, Greater Sydney Parklands Education and Community Programs