Photograph by Newspix/Rex USA

Violent storms can be disastrous for baby flying foxes in Australia. Strong winds can knock the babies from the protection of their mothers’ wings, and many have not learned how to fly. Luckily for the bats, there are volunteers to swoop in and rescue them.

One particularly fierce storm sent hundreds of baby bats helplessly to the ground. Over three days, volunteers transported the babies to the Australian Bat Clinic & Wildlife Trauma Centre. Doctors at the clinic treated the bats for injuries and broken bones and monitored them until they learned to fly.

Read the full story by Scott Elder in the October 2009 issue of National Geographic Kids, on newsstands now.

See a video of flying foxes on National Geographic Kids.

Read a story about Dunia, a rescued baby gorilla, on National Geographic Kids.