A Birmingham-area mom sounded the alarm Friday after things got a little too wild at Wild Burger in the Birmingham Zoo.
With her reusable souvenir cup and coupons in hand, Katie Jeter ordered her toddler a PB&J kids meal and herself some chicken fingers. But it was after the little girl ate that things took a turn. At the bottom of the box were rodent droppings, likely from a rat or mouse.
Jeter said she was disgusted and immediately alerted restaurant staff but was told nonchalantly, "Yeah, we have a rodent issue."
Jeter told 1819 News that she did not feel like her concerns were heard, so she posted a photo of the droppings on social media.
As a loyal zoo customer, Jeter said she has always enjoyed the zoo's food but will never eat at Wild Burger again.
"The Birmingham Zoo, don't charge $10 for an Uncrustable and some crackers and then not even have a clean kitchen to serve it out of," she posted. "My toddler could've literally eaten shit due to this 'rodent issue."
The Birmingham Zoo responded saying they discarded all paper lunch boxes and have closed all of the restaurants and food kiosks for a deep cleaning.
"At the Birmingham Zoo, we are focused on the safety of our guests, staff, and animals," said Chris Pfefferkorn, CEO and President. We deeply regret this situation and have taken steps to correct it and prevent it from happening again."
Along with regular pest control services, the zoo has scheduled a supplemental treatment.
The Jefferson County Health Department's most recent inspection of the Wild Burger restaurant was in October 2023. The score given was 96, and no violations regarding rodents or bugs were noted.
Pfefferkorn said the restaurant executive reached out to Jeter personally.
Jeter told 1819 News the zoo gave her daughter a free stuffed animal and a book from the gift shop. She has filed a complaint with the health department and has contacted her pediatrician about the incident.
"I'm absolutely disgusted," Jeter said. "This happened hours ago, and I'm still not over it," she said. Something needs to change. I feel like my concerns were not addressed by restaurant staff at all. The sous chef and likely all staff knew well there was a rodent issue and continued to operate as usual."
The restaurants at the zoo will not reopen until the deep cleaning is complete.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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