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 41 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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 9h
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
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 9h
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 9h
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 9h
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 9h
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 5d
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
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 5d
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 5d
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 5d
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
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 8d
Our thoughts are with everyone in Jamaica as they brace for Hurricane Melissa. 💛

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
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 8d
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 9d
Our thoughts are with everyone in Jamaica as they brace for Hurricane Melissa. 💛

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
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 9d
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 11d
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 13d
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 16d
www.zdr3.org/stronger-tog...
Lemurs Are Enjoying Their Formerly Hurricane-Damaged Forest — Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, And Recovery (ZDR3)
  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 i...
www.zdr3.org
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 16d
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 22d
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
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 23d
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."
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 28d
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
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Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · 28d
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · Oct 6
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · Oct 3
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.
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zdr3.bsky.social
Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · Oct 1
3 men are lifting a damaged fence back into place. At top it says "What is a zoological disaster responder?" Below the photo it says, "ZDR3’s disaster responders are professionals who work at zoological facilities that have developed their own response teams. They are peers helping peers with specialized, on-the-job training working around non-domestic animals." Below that, "We are stronger together" is beside the red and white ZDR3 logo.
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Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) @zdr3.bsky.social · Oct 1
A man is standing, handing a drink to a man seated beside his hard hat. At top it says "When we deploy a team to assist a devastated facility, they have been selected for their specific skills and resources. It’s a true pleasure to see the relief on the faces of the impacted staff when our responders arrive—and the bonds that form as they work together." Below that, "We are stronger together" is beside the red and white ZDR3 logo.