Exploring Co-MammalHub at Ditsong Museum: Are Bats Similar to Humans?
Future Africa Artist-in-Residence Dr. Nicola Grobler recently shared insights on the launch of Co-MammalHub. This initiative is a partnership between the University of Pretoria (UP) and Ditsong Museums of South Africa (DMSA) that seeks to reimagine human–wildlife relationships, starting with bats.
What is Co-MammalHub?
Co-MammalHub is a collaborative artistic initiative designed to revitalize the Natural History Museum as a vibrant forum for dialogue, embodied learning, and co-creation. It combines efforts from UP and DMSA, aiming to bridge the gap between art and science.
Dr. Grobler leads the research team, alongside Dr. Annie Antonites, Curator of Large Mammals at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History. They collaborate with Professor Mia Abrie from UP’s Faculty of Education and public program team members, Ms. Bongi Legwase and Ms. Tebogo Pitso.
Starting the Conversation
Questions such as “Are bats blind?” and “Do bats eat hair?” highlighted common misconceptions at the Co-MammalHub launch event. The gathering took place on August 2, coinciding with the beginning of National Science Week. It brought together the public, bat specialists, and conservationists to explore bat behavior and interactions with humans.
Dr. Grobler remarked, “These conversations paved the way for a richer understanding of bats, their behaviors, and their connections with us.” For many attendees, it marked a first encounter with the rich diversity of bat species.
The launch featured the inaugural Co-MammalChat, with presentations from:
– Erna and Julio Balona from the Gauteng and Northern Regions Bat Interest Group
– Lihle Dumalisile from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
– Dr. Tedson Nkoana from Future Africa at UP
A standout moment was Dr. Nkoana’s echolocation game, which gave younger participants a hands-on experience of how bats navigate through sound.
The event saw around 50 attendees, including members of the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s Zoo Club. Attendees asked thoughtful questions, showcasing their curiosity and emphasizing the rarity of such engaging opportunities.
From Dialogue to Displays
After the Co-MammalChat, the Co-MammalHub team organized three Co-MammalCreate workshops in August. These sessions brought together groups of 16 to 21 adults and children who used arts-based methods to develop concepts for new museum displays.
Dr. Grobler noted, “These workshops merged creativity, problem-solving, and applied knowledge in a collaborative setting. The energy and imagination of our co-creators inspired us.”
The prototypes created during these sessions are now headed into production, with full-scale displays set for launch in February 2026.
Collaboration and Education
On September 3, the research team presented Co-MammalHub at the South African Museums Association National Conference, held at the Javett Art Centre at UP. This presentation aimed to introduce museum and heritage professionals to an innovative approach to natural history.
Education is a cornerstone of the project. Under Professor Abrie’s guidance, students in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education at UP are developing Co-MammalKits. These educational resources will accompany the new displays and broaden the project’s reach to schools and communities via Ditsong’s Public Programmes.
Looking Ahead
Co-MammalHub plans to expand in 2026 to include rhinos and pangolins, continuing its mission to transform natural history museums into dynamic spaces for dialogue and co-creation.
If you’re interested in learning more about the project or participating in the upcoming phases set for 2026, don’t hesitate to reach out!
