Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3)
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Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3)
@zdr3.bsky.social
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.
This free online webinar, presented by the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) Safety Committee and Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery (ZDR3), will discuss "A Keeper's Role in a Natural Disaster" on February 26th. Email [email protected] for more information.

#zoo #aquarium
February 13, 2026 at 2:12 PM
ZDR3’s disaster responders are peers helping peers. When a facility can’t send a crew, they can hand off resources for a damaged facility to a deploying team. Pictured: ZooWorld Panama City Beach providing animal diets to the San Antonio Zoo team as they prepared for deployment.
#zoo #aquarium
February 12, 2026 at 2:52 PM
“Are we in the network?” “Did we finish joining?” We often receive these questions & understand that it is easy to lose track of an email, a piece of paper, or a document that hasn’t been finalized. Ask us about your status at [email protected].

#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife #disasterresponse
February 10, 2026 at 1:29 PM
Thank you to Tier 1 Sponsors Keystone Safari & Living Treasures Wild Animal Park! Sponsors dedicated to our cause make it possible for ZDR3 to carry out the mission of providing aid to zoological facilities, aquariums, & sanctuaries before, during, & after disasters and crises.

#zoo #aquarium
February 8, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Winter Storm Gianna is expected to bring snow, wind, and coastal flooding on the East Coast. Here’s how to contact us if your facility needs assistance www.zdr3.org/contact

We are Stronger Together

#winterstormgianna #zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife
January 29, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Before Winter Storm Fern, Crew Leads and Leadership at ZDR3 Network facilities across the country pledged teams and resources, including personnel, heavy equipment, and generators. These outpourings of support are what enables ZDR3 to commit assistance to potentially impacted facilities.
January 28, 2026 at 7:09 PM
At ZDR3, we are proud to see excellent information from zoological facilities across the country that explains how they keep their personnel and animals safe.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mYw...

We are Stronger Together

#winterstormfern #zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife
How North Texas zoos are protecting animals from the cold
YouTube video by WFAA
www.youtube.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Zoological facilities & operations teams are important every day. During weather events, their role is mission-critical. They keep generators running, restore utilities, repair damage, & maintain safe conditions. Their work protects both people & animals.

#winterstormfern #zoo #aquarium #wildlife
January 26, 2026 at 7:08 PM
At this time, we have not received any post-storm requests for assistance. But winter storms often generate needs after the initial event. Stay prepared with winter guidance from zoological professionals with cold weather experience.
www.zdr3.org/stronger-tog...

#winterstormfern #zoo #wildlife
January 25, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Zoological facilities have been preparing to protect their staff and animals. During extreme cold, many of the animals are moved indoors, and staff hunker down with them to ride out the storm. Ride-out teams are an essential part of disaster preparation for many facilities.
January 24, 2026 at 8:48 PM
ZDR3 is staying closely engaged with zoological facilities as Winter Storm Fern continues to impact the U.S. We will continue posting updates as we learn how the storm is impacting ZDR3 Network facilities.

#winterstormfern #icestorm #zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife #disasterresponse
January 23, 2026 at 11:10 PM
ZDR3 is the only zoological disaster response organization in the U.S. Joining the network is free and there is no cost to request aid during a disaster.
Learn more: www.zdr3.org/how-to-join-...

#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife #disasterresponse #wearestrongertogether
January 22, 2026 at 2:39 PM
When we deploy a team to assist a devastated facility, they have been selected for their specific skills and resources. On our worst days, the most welcome assistance comes from those who best understand our unique needs.

#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife #disasterresponse #wearestrongertogether
January 19, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Read the ZDR3 2025 Impact Report to learn more about what we—as a community of professionals who protect the animals in our care—have accomplished, and what’s ahead. heyzine.com/flip-book/5a...

#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife #animalwelfare #conservation

📸: Fort Worth Zoo
January 16, 2026 at 1:56 PM
What happens if a ZDR3 Network member facility wants to offer assistance to a facility facing a disaster, but can’t send many staff members? Teams of all sizes & varied capabilities have value. There is no such thing as a team that’s “too small.” All help matters to the impacted institutions.
January 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM
During the 2025 California wildfires, ZDR3 worked with facility leadership to assess risk, review evacuation triggers; identify staffing, transport, housing, life-support continuity, and specialized diet needs; and pre-align partners ready to assist.

Learn more: www.zdr3.org/stronger-tog...
January 8, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Over 6 years our network has grown to include more than 220 members across 40 states & U.S. territories, representing #zoos, #aquariums, #sanctuaries, & specialized #wildlife organizations of every size. Preparedness is a shared responsibility that unites the entire zoological community.
January 5, 2026 at 1:58 PM
When those of us who devote our lives to working with animals learn of a disaster that has befallen another facility, we feel great empathy for their animals and staff and want to do…something! For many, joining ZDR3 has answered the question: “How can we help?”
#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife
January 2, 2026 at 12:57 PM
We wish you a wonderful, disaster-free new year! But if your zoological facility needs assistance, we’re here for you.

We are Stronger Together

#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife #disasterresponse #wearestrongertogether
January 1, 2026 at 12:06 PM
Every ZDR3 Network disaster response team offers specific strengths. Some own, transport, &/or operate the heavy equipment. Some bring critical skills to facilities that need additional expertise. All strive to get the job done safely while working with & around staff & animals.

#zoo #aquarium
December 29, 2025 at 1:18 PM
The heart of the ZDR3 Network are the professionals concerned about the welfare of all animals in human care. The nuts & bolts of a zoological disaster response begins & ends with coordinating responders & resources, but everyone’s goal is to ensure the safety of the staff & animals.
December 26, 2025 at 1:33 PM
We are so grateful for our loyal supporters, who help ensure the financial stability that allows us to maintain year-round readiness.

We are Stronger Together

#zoo #aquarium #sanctuary #wildlife #disasterresponse #wearestrongertogether
December 23, 2025 at 2:34 PM
December 22, 2025 at 2:52 PM