Some people staying overnight at the Henry Doorley Zoo got a bit more in touch with nature than they expected to. And they had to get rabies shots because of it.
There were a couple hundred people camping in the aquarium at the zoo the night of the 4th of July. One of them woke up to a wild bat flying around her head.
They found 7 bats, one had rabies. They’re common brown bats which pretty much show up anywhere.
The gal wasn’t bitten or scratched and it didn’t appear anyone else was either. Out of an abundance of caution, the zoo suggested everyone get a rabies shot. They moved everyone to a different area. And the zoo paid for the shots and refunded everybody’s money.
I remember when I was a kid, if you had to get rabies shots, it was like a shot in the stomach every day for 20 days. It ain’t so bad now. Today, four doses over two weeks is recommended. And if you think you’ve been exposed, you don’t say not to getting vaccinated. Rabies is always fatal if you don’t get the shots.
I’ll add that I think the Henry Doorley Zoo is an amazing place to take the family. This in no way would keep me from visiting or staying the night.