Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3)
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Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3)
@zdr3.bsky.social
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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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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.
If you’d like to help before this round of fund distribution closes, please contribute by November 12, 2025. Recovery isn’t linear—it takes time, coordination, and compassion. Together, we can bring hope, help, and healing to Jamaica. 💚🖤💛

Here is the link to donate: www.paypal.com/donate/?fbcl...
Donate to ZDR3
Help support ZDR3 by donating or sharing with your friends.
www.paypal.com
100% of funds raised are being distributed to facilities housing non-domesticated animals impacted by the hurricane to ensure they are sent where they are most needed.
Recovery funds are now being disbursed to impacted facilities as supply challenges evolve. After disasters like this, financial support is the most critical lifeline as it reaches people and animals quickly where help is needed most.
At ZDR3, compassion and action go hand in hand. We’re monitoring zoological and sanctuary facility needs, staying engaged in collaborative calls to strengthen situational awareness, and assisting remotely with recovery coordination and resource support.
Hurricane Melissa has left devastating impacts across Jamaica—damaging homes, infrastructure, and lives, both human and animal.

#jamaica #hurricanemelissa
We will share more about recovery efforts as assessments are conducted and needs better identified. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this hurricane.

We are Stronger Together

Here is the link to donate: www.paypal.com/donate/?host...
Donate to ZDR3
Help support ZDR3 by donating or sharing with your friends.
www.paypal.com
ZDR3 will continue accepting funds and distributing 100% of funds collected through partners that have working relationships with facilities housing non-domesticated animals impacted by the hurricane to ensure they are distributed where they are most needed.
Fort Worth Zoo staff have been in contact with the Hope Zoo in Kingston. Hurricane Melissa left them without power, & their generator has failed. But the animals & personnel have been reported safe.
The crocodile sanctuary in eastern Jamaica also reported that all animals & people are safe.
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
Collaborative efforts are underway to organize financial support for impacted zoological facilities. ZDR3 will be accepting funds & distributing 100% of funds collected through ZDR3 Network members that have working relationships or partnerships with organizations impacted by the hurricane.
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.
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
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.
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
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
For those of you unfamiliar with AAZK: it's the American Association of Zoo Keepers. The Indianapolis AAZK Chapter lovingly demonstrates that keepers are the heart of every zoological facility.

#aazk #indianapolis #zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife #disasterresponse #wearestrongertogether
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!
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
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