I volunteer as a bat rehabilitator at Bat World Sanctuary, the largest bat sanctuary in the world. In the summer of 2024 I lived on the bat sanctuary and rescued 150 bats from wasting disease during my time there. I paint bats to educate people about their criticality — they are a cornerstone species, meaning, without them, entire ecosystems would collapse. Bats are critical pollinators to agave, corn, and rubber trees. They offer more effective pest control than chemicals. Also, they’re stinkin’ cute.

Bunni

Oil on canvas
24″x 40″
*Bunni was rescued by Haley of Arizona Bat rescue. Here she begs for her favorite food, moths.*
*Visit AZBatRescue.org to learn more.*

Squishy

Oil on canvas
59″x 59″
*Squishy is named as such because she was found in a trash compactor. She now lives happily with Cathy as an educational animal training wildlife rehabbers.*

Cave Bat

Oil and gold on canvas
40″x 52″

Rascal

Oil on canvas
40″x 68″
*This African Fruit Bat licks his lips after a delicious piece of fruit. African Fruit Bats are incredibly intelligent. The ones at Bat World Sanctuary are zoo rescues who will beg for mangoes.*

Sunshine

Oil on canvas
18″x 24″
Survival is a radical act. Compassion is a radical act. If you ever doubt the power of either, think of this little brave bat and her keeper, Amanda. In 1988, Amanda Lollar found this little bat, its wing broken, on a hot sidewalk in Texas. The bat, later named Sunshine, clung to life long enough for Amanda to get her out of the heat and administer fluids. From there began an epic journey that has saved thousands of lives.
Over 37 years of advocacy, education, and compassion, Amanda has built the Bat World Sanctuary, the largest Bat Sanctuary and bat conservation center in the world, with satellite offices in Bulgaria, Italy, Japan, and Austria.
***You do not have to face down an army to change the world, although that is certainly one way. Another way is to live compassionately. Another way is to live.***

Bat in a Hat

Oil on cavas
18″x 24″
This was the first bat I ever rescued, found at a gas station by two clerks who knew to immediately “call the bat people” when they found a bat in distress. Months later, I was back home in Chicago for new years and the bat sanctuary gals sent me a photo of my little rescue in a very real, very tiny, party hat wishing me a happy New Year. They had bought tiny party hats and put on a tiny party for everyone.

Mustard

Oil, chalk, and charcoal on canvas
18″x 24″

Contact Kate for inquiries or commissions

Prints, commissions, or original works are available for purchase.
Instagram: at Kate_Citrin