San Diego, CA – May 11, 2025 — Public health officials in San Diego County are issuing an urgent advisory following the discovery of a wild bat that tested positive for rabies inside the renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at approximately 10:45 a.m., when the bat was spotted at the base of the only public elevator located in the African Loop near the park’s popular hot air balloon attraction.
The infected bat was swiftly and safely collected by a trained member of the Safari Park staff and was immediately submitted for laboratory analysis. On confirmation from the County Public Health Laboratory, the bat was found to be infected with the rabies virus, sparking concern for the safety of park guests who may have come into contact with the animal.
Public Urged to Act Promptly If Exposure Is Suspected
Authorities are urging any individual or group who was present in the area of the elevator and adjacent stairwell before 10:45 a.m. on May 7 and who may have had direct contact with the bat—whether by touch or accidental exposure—to immediately contact San Diego County Public Health Services at (619) 692-8499.
“Human rabies is almost always fatal without timely post-exposure vaccination and treatment,” said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the County’s Interim Public Health Officer. “Rabies can be transmitted not only through a bite but also if the bat’s saliva makes contact with broken skin or mucous membranes—such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. While bats are a vital part of our ecosystem, they should never be touched.”
Clarity on Risk and Importance of Responsible Wildlife Interaction
Officials emphasize that the bat in question was not part of the Safari Park’s habitat or curated animal exhibits. Importantly, visitors who did not have direct contact with the bat are not at risk of contracting rabies. This distinction is critical to prevent undue concern among guests who maintained a safe distance or who were merely in the vicinity.
To date, this incident marks the third confirmed case of rabid bats in San Diego County in 2025, underscoring the continued need for vigilance and public awareness. Despite their potential to carry rabies, bats are ecologically important. Many species feed on mosquitoes and other insects, contributing significantly to pest control. Others play a crucial role in pollination and plant propagation, benefiting the local environment and biodiversity.
How to Respond If You Encounter a Bat
For those who may encounter a bat in the wild or urban settings, the safest course of action is to avoid physical contact entirely. In the rare event of direct contact, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention without delay.
Rabies is a preventable but deadly viral disease, primarily spread through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost invariably fatal, making post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—a series of timely administered vaccinations—essential to survival.
Symptoms of rabies in humans can take weeks or even months to develop, making early action critical. These may include fever, headache, confusion, muscle spasms, and in severe cases, hallucinations and paralysis.
Educating the Public: A Shared Responsibility
This incident serves as a critical reminder that respecting wildlife boundaries is not just an ethical choice—it’s a matter of public health. San Diego County encourages everyone, including families, tourists, and locals, to engage in responsible wildlife appreciation and refrain from approaching or touching wild animals under any circumstances.
Educational efforts are ongoing across the region to inform communities about preventative health practices, especially as the warmer months invite more outdoor activities and increased bat activity during dusk hours.
Public health teams are also working closely with park officials and local media to disseminate accurate information and prevent the spread of misinformation, which can often accompany incidents involving wildlife and zoonotic diseases.
A Call to Action: What You Can Do Now
As part of its community outreach and safety initiative, San Diego County urges residents and visitors alike to:
- Report any unusual animal behavior or dead wildlife to animal control authorities.
- Educate children and family members on the dangers of interacting with wild animals.
- Ensure household pets are currently on their rabies vaccinations.
- Promote awareness by sharing verified information from trusted sources.
Safeguarding Public Health While Preserving Nature
Bats are a misunderstood species, often vilified due to their association with diseases. Yet they offer invaluable environmental benefits and deserve respectful co-existence rather than fear. It’s essential to recognize that with awareness, education, and proper behavior, people can enjoy nature safely without compromising health.
As San Diego County continues to monitor wildlife-related health risks, officials reaffirm their commitment to transparency, rapid response, and public safety. The collaboration between Safari Park personnel and public health authorities in swiftly identifying and containing this threat is a testament to a well-coordinated response protocol designed to protect both human and animal communities.
Contact Information:
San Diego County Public Health Services
Phone: (619) 692-8499
Website: www.sandiegocounty.gov/health