SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Zoo announced Tuesday that a group of flying foxes is coming to the zoo. 

Zoo staff announced the new arrivals on social media, and the last time these furry, fruit-eating bats were at the zoo was in the 1980s. 

The group includes seven males and eleven females being relocated from ZooTampa at Lowry Park, “each with unique names that reflect their individuality and charm,” the post said. 

“Among the females are Stella, Esther, Ady, Penny, Leila, Rosa, Jasmine, Marla, Sweet Pea, Fern and Snapdragon,” said the zoo. “The males are named Rufio, Bruce, Guapo, Homer, Count, Mickey and Yoda.”

The flying fox is native to Southeast Asia and is one of the largest bat species in the world. It is classified as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, and zoo staff hope their presence will emphasize the importance of wildlife conservation. 

The reason why these bats are called flying foxes is because their faces resemble that of a small fox with long, pointed ears, sharp claws and large eyes. 

These new additions will be located adjacent to the tree kangaroos. 

"Having flying foxes back at San Antonio Zoo is a significant milestone for us and yet another reason to visit the zoo in 2024," said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo, in a statement. "Not only will visitors have the extraordinary opportunity to witness these magnificent giants up close, but they will also learn about the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species like the Large Flying Fox."