Post by jonsdigs on Jul 6, 2007 18:55:50 GMT -5
Wild Rabid Bat Found At Maryland Zoo
Jul 5, 2007
By Denise Koch
(WJZ) BALTIMORE The Maryland Zoo is asking for the public's help in locating any guests who may have come in contact with a bat.
Timmy Knapp found something unusual Monday on the path leading to the elephant overlook at the Maryland Zoo.
Denise Koch reports he found a tiny red bat.
Timmy found the tiny red bat and decided to save it. So, he picked it up with a stick and took it to the attendant.
"So I picked up the leaf and then it fell on the rock and I said don't die, don't die," said Timmy.
"He has such a tender heart. He wants to take care of everything. He did not want that bat to die," said Carol Knapp, Timmy's grandmother.
What Timmy did not know was the wild bat had rabies.
Later, the bat was tested and Tuesday night his family got an unwelcomed call.
They were told the bat had rabies. They said he did not have to bite Timmy to expose him.
Unlike other animals, bats can spread rabies through the air.
"This was a wild bat and not part of our collection. While bats are very beneficial animals, it is not uncommon for wild bats to carry rabies," said Karl Kranz, Vice President for Animal Programs and Chief Operating Officer.
Timmy got four shots Tuesday night and he has three to go.
His grandma says he was very brave.
"It was kinda creepy, but amazing," said Timmy.
The zoo is calling Timmy a hero because he picked up the bat before others could be exposed.
Story & Video
Jul 5, 2007
By Denise Koch
(WJZ) BALTIMORE The Maryland Zoo is asking for the public's help in locating any guests who may have come in contact with a bat.
Timmy Knapp found something unusual Monday on the path leading to the elephant overlook at the Maryland Zoo.
Denise Koch reports he found a tiny red bat.
Timmy found the tiny red bat and decided to save it. So, he picked it up with a stick and took it to the attendant.
"So I picked up the leaf and then it fell on the rock and I said don't die, don't die," said Timmy.
"He has such a tender heart. He wants to take care of everything. He did not want that bat to die," said Carol Knapp, Timmy's grandmother.
What Timmy did not know was the wild bat had rabies.
Later, the bat was tested and Tuesday night his family got an unwelcomed call.
They were told the bat had rabies. They said he did not have to bite Timmy to expose him.
Unlike other animals, bats can spread rabies through the air.
"This was a wild bat and not part of our collection. While bats are very beneficial animals, it is not uncommon for wild bats to carry rabies," said Karl Kranz, Vice President for Animal Programs and Chief Operating Officer.
Timmy got four shots Tuesday night and he has three to go.
His grandma says he was very brave.
"It was kinda creepy, but amazing," said Timmy.
The zoo is calling Timmy a hero because he picked up the bat before others could be exposed.
Story & Video