Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3)
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3)
@zdr3.bsky.social
520 followers 50 following 46 posts
ZDR3 is a 501(c)3 mutual aid group that provides peer-to-peer disaster response for zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and other similar businesses.

With 200+ participating organizations, we are the only zoological disaster network in the United States.
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Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · May 21
Founded in 2019 by zoological industry leaders, ZDR3 provides support to facilities housing wildlife and exotic animal species before, during, and after disasters. We deploy experienced zoological personnel and resources to facilities requesting aid, regardless of accreditation or affiliation.
Two women crouch inside an animal habitat. The woman on the left, in grey, is holding a mid-sized yellow and black tortoise off the ground. The woman on the right, in dark blue, is prepping a needle to use for medical care. Four people in work pants and lime green shirts that say "San Antonio Zoo Crew" are facing away from the camera, looking up at a huge fallen tree. The tree is diagonally across the background of the image and appears to be leaning heavily on a chain-link fence on the left side of the image. A picture of a workstation for ZDR3 inside of an office. Three computer monitors are visible: the top one is widescreen and shows a map of the gulf coast of the United States with a hurricane trajectory plotted on it. A big red and black logo with a white background is on a glass door in the background. Two men in grey work clothes and shirts that say "San Antonio Zoo" on the back are standing next to an animal habitat. They are fixing something inside an electric box at the corner of the habitat. Inside the low metal fence of the habitat, a very large grey-brown tortoise watches them work.
zdr3.bsky.social
Your generosity reached Jamaica’s zoological facilities when they needed it most. Together, supporters contributed over $8,700, providing vital relief for animal care teams working to rebuild & recover. Learn more: myemail.constantcontact.com/ZDR3-Update-...
November 14, 2025 at 5:31 PM
zdr3.bsky.social
November 13 is International Day of Zoo & Aquarium Educators. The goal, according to the International Zoo Educators Association, is to “spotlight conservation education in zoos and aquariums as fundamental to mobilizing the public to conservation action around the world.”
People standing in front of an aquarium tank, viewing a variety of fish.
November 13, 2025 at 1:42 PM
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Thank you to our new Tier 4 Sponsor, International Animal Exchange! Sponsors dedicated to our cause make it possible for us to carry out the mission of providing aid to zoological facilities, aquariums, and sanctuaries before, during, & after disasters & crises.
#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife
The red, black, and white ZDR3 logo is in the upper left. The International Animal Exchange logo, which includes an illustration of a zebra, is spotlighted in the middle of the graphic from a light in the upper right corner.
November 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
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Hurricane Melissa has left devastating impacts across Jamaica—damaging homes, infrastructure, and lives, both human and animal.

#jamaica #hurricanemelissa
Illustration of a multicolored bird flying in front of a multicolored globe.
November 5, 2025 at 3:35 PM
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Because ZDR3 is a U.S.-based organization, we only coordinate personnel deployments within the United States. But we recognize that people throughout the world are concerned about the people and animals that call Jamaica home.
#hurricanemelissa #jamaica #zoo #sanctuary #wildlife #iguana #crocodile
On the left, Jamaican flag above map of Jamaica. On the right, the ZDR3 logo
October 31, 2025 at 1:04 PM
zdr3.bsky.social
ZDR3 is a U.S.-based organization, and our responders only deploy domestically. As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, we are mindful of the potential impacts to animal facilities on the island and recognize that many in our network will want to help.
Jamaican flag with sun behind it.
October 28, 2025 at 12:39 AM
zdr3.bsky.social
Thank you to our new Tier 4 Sponsor, Longneck Manor!

Sponsors dedicated to our cause make it possible for ZDR3 to carry out the mission of providing aid to zoological facilities, aquariums, and sanctuaries before, during, and after disasters and crises.

#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife
The all-white Long Manor logo includes an illustration of a giraffe.
October 25, 2025 at 12:42 PM
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Every ZDR3 Network response team has specific strengths. Some operate heavy equipment required to manage massive tasks. Some bring critical skills to facilities that need additional expertise. All strive to get the job done safely while working with and around impacted staff and animals.
A green tractor is unloading a white mobile large animal enclosure from the back of a white and silver trailer. One man is driving the tractor, one is behind it, and one is in front of it.
October 23, 2025 at 4:04 PM
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In October 2024, Hurricane Milton damaged forest habitats at the Lemur Conservation Foundation. ZDR3 Network responders soon arrived with heavy equipment and chainsaws. What they accomplished in days would have taken LCF’s small staff months to accomplish.
#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife
Photo on left shows a fence damaged by fallen trees. Photo on right shows 2 lemurs walking together on grass on a sunny day, with an intact fence to their left, and a grove of trees in the distance.
October 20, 2025 at 1:46 PM
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Last year, hurricanes Helene and Milton caused unprecedented flooding and extensive damage to Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda, FL. Learn about PRWC’s recovery and exciting future: www.zdr3.org/stronger-tog...

We are Stronger Together
A Year After Two Hurricanes Hit, A Wildlife Rehab Center Demonstrates Its Resilience — Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, And Recovery (ZDR3)
Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused unprecedented flooding and extensive damage to Peace River Wildlife Center. ZDR3 Network disaster response teams assisted their recovery. PRWC has exciting pla...
www.zdr3.org
October 14, 2025 at 2:56 PM
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Thank you to Tier 2 Sponsor San Antonio Zoo! SAZ is more than just a sponsor. Their highly experienced response team frequently answers ZDR3's calls for assistance. And their disaster response trailer is well outfitted, so they are ready to roll on short notice.

We are Stronger Together
6 men in green shirts are standing beside a trailer that says "Disaster Response" and "San Antonio Zoo."
October 13, 2025 at 1:04 PM
zdr3.bsky.social
Thank you to the Indianapolis AAZK Chapter for your ongoing support!

For their Share the Love Bake Sale AAZK members and zoo volunteers donate homemade baked goods, which they sell to Indianapolis Zoo staff members. During this event, they raised $1,200, which they are donating to ZDR3!
There are 3 photos in this image. The headline says "Thanks for sharing the love, Indy AAZK." The top photo shows invitations to the AAZK Share the Love Bake Sale. Below it are 2 women preparing back sale packages. To the right, 3 women are looking at bake sale items while another, facing the camera, looks on. At the bottom of the image is the Indianapolis AAZK logo on the left, the ZDR3 logo on the right. Between them it says, "We are Stronger Together." There are hearts throughout the background of the image.
October 8, 2025 at 1:54 PM
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Every ZDR3 Network disaster response team offers specific strengths. All strive to get the job done safely while working with and around impacted staff and animals.

We are Stronger Together

#sandiegozoowildlifealliance #zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife #disasterresponse #wearestrongertogether
Two women in green shirts are crouched behind a van, preparing veterinary supplies. A man in a green shirt is standing to their right, loading a syringe.
October 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
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Going to the American Association of Zoo Keepers National Conference?

If so, we hope you’ll join ZDR3 Operations Manager, Cari Wittenborn, for her presentation, “Safeguarding Species and Self: A Zoo Keeper’s Guide to Disaster Preparedness and Response.”

We are Stronger Together

#AAZK2025
At top, a logo for the AAZK 50th annual conference includes a phoenix and the words "Phoenix Arizona Rising Above Extinction. The headline reads "Let's talk at AAZK National." The black and white photo is of a keeper with his arm over his face, as if in distress, standing in water in front of a fence with a duck beside him. The overlay says "A disaster plan is only as strong as the keeper behind it. We are stronger together." It includes the red and white ZDR3 logo.
October 3, 2025 at 1:21 PM
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October 1, 2025 at 6:36 PM
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The ZDR3 core team will be attending the ZAA Annual Conference in San Antonio. We hope you’ll join us for “Disaster is a Moving Target: Updates from ZDR3.” We look forward to the opportunity to chat with you then, or one-on-one at the conference.
September 29, 2025 at 12:07 PM
zdr3.bsky.social
aza.sitewrench.com/connect-stor...
AZA Zoos Assist Colleagues Dealing With Disasters
Running a zoological facility involves daily challenges, with disasters adding complications. That’s why ZDR3 was created in 2019 to coordinate zoological professionals in disaster response, rescue, a...
aza.sitewrench.com
September 4, 2025 at 6:59 PM
zdr3.bsky.social
Here's what we've been up to lately!

web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_an...

#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife #disasterresponse #wearestrongertogether
Graphic of an otter with "Check out our latest newsletter - ZR3 Newsletter: August 2025 - We are Stronger Together" and the ZDR3 logo
August 20, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Reposted by Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3)
zdr3.bsky.social
The ZDR3 Response Network currently comprises more than 200 member facilities and industry-related businesses from 40 states and US territories. Big or small, all network members contribute in valuable ways: sending response teams, sharing resources, donating directly, and helping promote our work.
A map of the United States generated by google maps. It is covered in purple pins showing the location of ZDR3 Network members. The pins are clustered on the east coast, in the south, and in California.
June 4, 2025 at 4:53 PM
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ZDR3 has contacted our federal partners and zoological facilities in Texas to assure them that we have teams available to assist with any unmet non-domestic animal needs. Nothing has been reported, but given the enormous hurdles responders are facing, that does not mean there are not issues.
July 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM
zdr3.bsky.social
The ZDR3 Response Network currently comprises more than 200 member facilities and industry-related businesses from 40 states and US territories. Big or small, all network members contribute in valuable ways: sending response teams, sharing resources, donating directly, and helping promote our work.
A map of the United States generated by google maps. It is covered in purple pins showing the location of ZDR3 Network members. The pins are clustered on the east coast, in the south, and in California.
June 4, 2025 at 4:53 PM
zdr3.bsky.social
Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. ZDR3 staff are following the news closely. and ensuring our Response Network is ready to provide aid when facilities are impacted.

www.noaa.gov/news-release...
NOAA predicts above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
Above-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures set the stage
www.noaa.gov
May 28, 2025 at 5:02 PM
zdr3.bsky.social
A severe storm ripped through Bridgeport, Texas on May 17, with straight line winds that caused significant destruction to a ZDR3 Network facility member, Center for Animal Research and Education (CARE). Their Director immediately reached out to us for assistance.

www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/n...
'Much worse than I thought': North Texas exotic animal shelter severely damaged by Saturday's storms
The Center for Animal Research and Education in Wise County is facing a costly repair efforts after severe weather tore through on Saturday.
www.nbcdfw.com
May 24, 2025 at 3:34 PM
zdr3.bsky.social
Founded in 2019 by zoological industry leaders, ZDR3 provides support to facilities housing wildlife and exotic animal species before, during, and after disasters. We deploy experienced zoological personnel and resources to facilities requesting aid, regardless of accreditation or affiliation.
Two women crouch inside an animal habitat. The woman on the left, in grey, is holding a mid-sized yellow and black tortoise off the ground. The woman on the right, in dark blue, is prepping a needle to use for medical care. Four people in work pants and lime green shirts that say "San Antonio Zoo Crew" are facing away from the camera, looking up at a huge fallen tree. The tree is diagonally across the background of the image and appears to be leaning heavily on a chain-link fence on the left side of the image. A picture of a workstation for ZDR3 inside of an office. Three computer monitors are visible: the top one is widescreen and shows a map of the gulf coast of the United States with a hurricane trajectory plotted on it. A big red and black logo with a white background is on a glass door in the background. Two men in grey work clothes and shirts that say "San Antonio Zoo" on the back are standing next to an animal habitat. They are fixing something inside an electric box at the corner of the habitat. Inside the low metal fence of the habitat, a very large grey-brown tortoise watches them work.
May 21, 2025 at 1:32 PM