If you’ve visited a zoo before, chances are high you’ve wondered to yourself how strong the glass really is at such exhibits as hippos, gorillas, and tigers.
But the world-famous San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park had another kind of unexpected encounter that could’ve been way worse than it’s currently being reported.
Per local outlet ABC 10 News, the Escondido, California campus designed to recreate an African safari wasn’t disrupted by one of its resident critters — it was one that wandered in uninvited.
Bat Found At Zoo Restaurant Tests Positive For Rabies
Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Anyone pouring into San Diego doesn’t just visit the beach; the zoo is usually on the docket.
The Safari Park is arguably San Diego’s best road trip since Escondido is roughly a half-hour drive from downtown, making for a fun family outing, which of course, usually involves lunch.
A wild bat was discovered dead roughly at noon last Saturday inside Oasis on the Rocks, one of the park’s most popular eateries.
Fortunately, officials said there’s no indication anyone came into contact with the bat, though they’re continuing to investigate to confirm that.
Related:East Coast Theme Park Roasted Online for ‘Sewage’ Water on Children’s Ride
Rabies Is More Common Than You Think In SoCal
Rabies is a potentially deadly viral disease that, once humans begin displaying symptoms, carries nearly a 100% fatality rate, according to the CDC.
The bat found at the Safari Park is the 19th confirmed rabies case in San Diego County in 2026 alone.
Officials are asking those who think they may have been in contact with the bat (or others that fly around) to contact County Public Health Services asks you to call 619-692-8499 as soon as possible, and to note symptoms may take months to appear.
Meanwhile, the zoo verified the bat wasn’t one from its collection and is urging visitors to remain alert if any more bats are spotted. Fortunately, the only bat many San Diegans hope to see next week is Batman at Comic-Con.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jul 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.