Bacardi celebrates National Bat Week by highlighting its long-standing connection to bats and global conservation efforts. Recognized by the Wildlife Habitat Council, Bacardi’s distilleries in Puerto Rico, Florida, and the UK support bat habitats, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and preserving the legacy behind its iconic bat symbol.
As the world celebrates National Bat Week, Bacardi Limited is turning the spotlight toward its deep-rooted connection with bats and its continued commitment to their conservation. The iconic bat logo — a symbol synonymous with Bacardi since its founding in 1862 — reflects more than brand heritage; it represents a legacy of respect for the creatures that inspired it.
From the very beginning, bats have been central to Bacardi’s story. Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, the founder of the company, chose the bat as the brand’s emblem after his wife noticed a colony living in their distillery rafters in Santiago de Cuba. For generations, the bat has symbolized good fortune, family unity, and health — values the company still upholds today.
Now, more than 160 years later, Bacardi is ensuring that its iconic symbol thrives not just on its bottles but also in the wild. The company has been recognized by the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) for its outstanding bat conservation initiatives at three major sites — the BACARDÍ® rum distillery in Puerto Rico, its production site in Jacksonville, Florida, and the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Distillery in the United Kingdom.
These certifications highlight Bacardi’s efforts to create and maintain habitats where bats can roost safely and contribute to local ecosystems. The initiatives include the installation of bat houses, habitat restoration programs, and environmental education projects designed to raise awareness about the ecological importance of bats as pollinators and insect controllers.
At the BACARDÍ rum distillery in Cataño, Puerto Rico, known as “La Catedral del Ron,” conservation has taken on a creative twist. The facility not only produces some of the world’s most popular rum but also supports natural habitats around its premises, promoting biodiversity in an industrial setting. Similarly, the Jacksonville site in Florida integrates wildlife-friendly practices into its daily operations, while the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Distillery in Hampshire, UK, operates within a carefully protected natural environment that supports local bat populations.
“Protecting bats is a natural extension of who we are,” a Bacardi spokesperson said in a statement celebrating National Bat Week. “They’ve been part of our identity since the beginning, and today they remind us of the importance of protecting the ecosystems we all depend on.”
Bats play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they face increasing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and disease. Bacardi’s conservation partnerships with the WHC and local environmental groups demonstrate how global brands can make meaningful contributions to wildlife preservation.
As National Bat Week encourages people to appreciate these often misunderstood creatures, Bacardi’s efforts serve as a reminder that sustainability and heritage can go hand in hand. The company’s initiatives underscore how environmental stewardship can be woven into a brand’s DNA — ensuring that the bat, both symbolically and ecologically, continues to soar.
For Bacardi, the story comes full circle: what began as a family emblem in the rafters of a small Cuban distillery has evolved into a global symbol of conservation and care — proving that when heritage meets habitat, both can thrive.
