Those Poor Kids Learning About The Bats And The Bees

I am explaining traits of our bats in the bat enclosure in the zoo.

Me: “These bats, like all mammals in the Chiroptera family, are—”

A guest on the tour speaks up.

Guest: “Excuse me. You’re wrong. I would appreciate you not lying to my children.”

Me: “Wrong about what, ma’am?”

Guest: “Bats aren’t mammals! Honestly, you work in a zoo!”

Me: “Bats are absolutely mammals, ma’am. In fact—”

Guest: “Bats fly! They have wings! They’re birds!“

A few other members of the tour group chuckle, but I try to remain polite.

Me: “Some mammals can fly, ma’am. In fact—”

Guest: “Stop lying to the children!”

With that, she storms out, dragging two upset-looking children with her. I just turn to my group, who looks as dumbfounded as me.

Me: “Wait until she gets to the ocean exhibit and finds out about the dolphins.”