About us

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Dr. Richard LaVal was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in 1938. Raised by a mother who loved birds and a father who was an avid hunter, he developed an early fascination for nature and wildlife observation. His lifelong passion for bats was sparked years later while exploring local caves during his youth.

After completing his undergraduate degree and serving in the U.S. Army, LaVal worked at an Indiana printing plant while taking evening biology courses at a local community college. This renewed academic focus led him to Louisiana State University (LSU) to pursue graduate studies in bird research.

While at LSU, his focus shifted toward bats under the mentorship of a professor studying wildlife in Latin America. The following summer, LaVal traveled to Costa Rica to participate in the renowned Tropical Biology course offered by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS)—a pivotal moment that permanently connected his career to Costa Rican biodiversity.

After earning his PhD in Wildlife Science, LaVal served as an assistant to a prominent mammalogist at the University of Kansas before accepting a one-year research position in Costa Rica. While conducting field research on bat species in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, he met Meg, a local resident who applied to be his field assistant. The couple married in 1974 and went on to conduct international bat research across Missouri and South Africa.

Settling in Monteverde to raise their five children, Richard and Meg actively contributed to the region’s developing conservation movement. Meg established herself as a master stained glass artist whose creations adorn buildings throughout Monteverde and San José. Meanwhile, Dr. LaVal worked as a pioneer ecotourism guide, sharing his extensive ecological knowledge with visitors. Driven by a commitment to environmental protection and community development, the couple co-founded key regional institutions, including the Monteverde Institute, the Monteverde Conservation League, and the Cloud Forest School.

In 2000, Meg and Richard partnered with local associates Bob Carlson and Susana Salas to plan a commercial space in Monteverde. LaVal insisted on one key condition for the project: “No go unless we have a live bat exhibit.” Following years of collaboration with global bat researchers, zoo specialists, and acoustic scientists, The Bat Jungle Tour officially opened its doors in 2006, creating a premier educational exhibit dedicated to bat conservation, bio-acoustics, and environmental education in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

This little corner of the internet is where we share honest guides, off-the-beaten-path discoveries, heartfelt reflections, and all the messy, beautiful moments that come with chasing the world one journey at a time. We hope you find something here that lights a spark — or at least makes you smile. Happy travels! 🌎 ✈️