Rabies-Infected Bat Found At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

SAN DIEGO, CA — County public health officials on Saturday were looking for people who may have come into contact with a rabies-infected bat found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The wild bat was found at 10:45 a.m. May 7 at the base of the public elevator in the African Loop, near the hot air ballon ride at the Escondido-based park, according to the County of San Diego Communications Office. There is only one public elevator in the park.

The bat, which later tested positive for rabies, was not one that was on habitat at the Safari Park. County health officials urged anyone in the area of the elevator and stairs before then and had direct contact with the bat, or knows of someone who may have touched the bat, to contact County Public Health Services at 619-692-8499.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, according to county health officials.

Symptoms of rabies in people can take weeks to months to develop. Once symptoms develop, rabies is usually fatal, but prompt post-exposure treatment following exposure to the virus will prevent the disease, officials said.

"Human rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment," said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the county's interim public health officer.

"Rabies transmission can happen from a bat bite or if a bat's saliva comes in contact with a cut or abrasion, or with mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth," Kadakia explained. "Although bats can carry rabies, they are an important part of nature in San Diego County. It is important to respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them."

The county said officials have detected three rabid bats so far in 2025 throughout the San Diego region.

There are many species of bats found in the county that feed on insects such as mosquitoes. Other bat species feed on nectar from plants and pollinate them in the process.

Officials advised anyone who comes in contact with a bat to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and get medical advice immediately.