Damien W.
@thatzooguy.bsky.social
I support ACCREDITED zoos/aquariums | Zoology student | he/him | 24 | I made this account to quash anti-zoo rhetoric online | Not all zoos are bad!
Pinned
Damien W.
@thatzooguy.bsky.social
· Nov 26
The premise of my account is to advocate for GOOD zoos, because the higher ups in the field do not.
I am not against activism. As long as it’s based on genuine concerns and not general assumptions, you have my support.
Abolition is not the answer.
I am not against activism. As long as it’s based on genuine concerns and not general assumptions, you have my support.
Abolition is not the answer.
Almost all of the reasons you listed can be refuted with this:
Some zoos are doing as you claim, yes. But not all of them.
You make it black and white to push a false narrative. It makes your organization look disingenuous.
Some zoos are doing as you claim, yes. But not all of them.
You make it black and white to push a false narrative. It makes your organization look disingenuous.
December 23, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Almost all of the reasons you listed can be refuted with this:
Some zoos are doing as you claim, yes. But not all of them.
You make it black and white to push a false narrative. It makes your organization look disingenuous.
Some zoos are doing as you claim, yes. But not all of them.
You make it black and white to push a false narrative. It makes your organization look disingenuous.
Reposted by Damien W.
We’re proud to share that this mossy frog photo by Volunteer Photographer, Ron Bebus, was featured in the hardcopy edition of the AZA’s Connect Magazine! 📸
We’re incredibly thankful for Ron and all of our volunteer photographers who share their skills to support our mission.
We’re incredibly thankful for Ron and all of our volunteer photographers who share their skills to support our mission.
December 19, 2025 at 5:52 PM
We’re proud to share that this mossy frog photo by Volunteer Photographer, Ron Bebus, was featured in the hardcopy edition of the AZA’s Connect Magazine! 📸
We’re incredibly thankful for Ron and all of our volunteer photographers who share their skills to support our mission.
We’re incredibly thankful for Ron and all of our volunteer photographers who share their skills to support our mission.
Marc’s ability to twist narratives is now coming to BlueSky. His shenanigans are common place on twitter. Marc’s use of ChatGPT (or another similar software) and blanket statements is exactly why I made my account.
To fight back against misinformation.
To fight back against misinformation.
December 18, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Marc’s ability to twist narratives is now coming to BlueSky. His shenanigans are common place on twitter. Marc’s use of ChatGPT (or another similar software) and blanket statements is exactly why I made my account.
To fight back against misinformation.
To fight back against misinformation.
This is a cheap trick from anti-zoo ‘vegans.’ They use cheap slogans and bad apples to paint an evil depiction of ALL zoos. Which is blatantly false and misleading.
If you actually love animals, don’t support zoos. 🚫
#animals #zoos #boycottzoos #animallover #veganquote
#animals #zoos #boycottzoos #animallover #veganquote
December 17, 2025 at 11:08 PM
This is a cheap trick from anti-zoo ‘vegans.’ They use cheap slogans and bad apples to paint an evil depiction of ALL zoos. Which is blatantly false and misleading.
You know, the other day I actually considered switching to a vegan lifestyle. But then I remembered that much of the movement hates zoos and will stop at nothing to destroy decades of conservation work. I cant see myself aligning with people who want me to “go vegan” but won’t see the bigger picture
Perfect analogy. The “zoo people” often try to use conservation as an excuse for imprisoning animals but it’s self serving. If they were concerned with conservation they’d be studying animals in the wild from a distance and fighting against habitat loss. One way to fight habitat loss is to #GoVegan.
December 13, 2025 at 12:25 AM
You know, the other day I actually considered switching to a vegan lifestyle. But then I remembered that much of the movement hates zoos and will stop at nothing to destroy decades of conservation work. I cant see myself aligning with people who want me to “go vegan” but won’t see the bigger picture
Marc is known on Twitter for spreading false information about zoos and aquariums. He is prone to asking ChatGPT to generate his rebuttals and blocks anyone who catches him misleading his followers.
November 23, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Marc is known on Twitter for spreading false information about zoos and aquariums. He is prone to asking ChatGPT to generate his rebuttals and blocks anyone who catches him misleading his followers.
This is common tactic used to vilify and demean the entire profession.
In case it wasn’t obvious, this is a bad zoo. However, this is a bad representation of all zoos.
Please do your own research before visiting a zoo or aquarium.
In case it wasn’t obvious, this is a bad zoo. However, this is a bad representation of all zoos.
Please do your own research before visiting a zoo or aquarium.
November 23, 2025 at 4:59 PM
This is common tactic used to vilify and demean the entire profession.
In case it wasn’t obvious, this is a bad zoo. However, this is a bad representation of all zoos.
Please do your own research before visiting a zoo or aquarium.
In case it wasn’t obvious, this is a bad zoo. However, this is a bad representation of all zoos.
Please do your own research before visiting a zoo or aquarium.
Reposted by Damien W.
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs.
November 19, 2025 at 8:32 PM
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs.
A reminder that Jeff is an anti-zoo “activist” who is known to threaten people and live through the notoriety of Harambe the Gorilla.
His “activism” is in quotations because it is not actually advocating for anything except hatred and threats.
His “activism” is in quotations because it is not actually advocating for anything except hatred and threats.
November 20, 2025 at 2:01 AM
A reminder that Jeff is an anti-zoo “activist” who is known to threaten people and live through the notoriety of Harambe the Gorilla.
His “activism” is in quotations because it is not actually advocating for anything except hatred and threats.
His “activism” is in quotations because it is not actually advocating for anything except hatred and threats.
Reposted by Damien W.
In an era when some people are critical of zoos and aquariums, educators demonstrate their value. They can make an enormous impact on their visitors’ experience and ongoing love for zoological facilities.
#IZEday2025 #zooaquariumeducator #zoo #aquarium
#IZEday2025 #zooaquariumeducator #zoo #aquarium
November 13, 2025 at 1:43 PM
In an era when some people are critical of zoos and aquariums, educators demonstrate their value. They can make an enormous impact on their visitors’ experience and ongoing love for zoological facilities.
#IZEday2025 #zooaquariumeducator #zoo #aquarium
#IZEday2025 #zooaquariumeducator #zoo #aquarium
Reposted by Damien W.
I’ve seen zoos and conservation groups work together to rebuild entire ecosystems and even release wildlife back into their natural habitats. Not all zoos are the same, but can we please stop shaming all of them? The real issue isn’t captivity, it’s extinction.
November 10, 2025 at 4:03 PM
I’ve seen zoos and conservation groups work together to rebuild entire ecosystems and even release wildlife back into their natural habitats. Not all zoos are the same, but can we please stop shaming all of them? The real issue isn’t captivity, it’s extinction.
Reposted by Damien W.
It says a hobbyist photographer who likes wildlife, and I like wildlife in all forms whether that be in zoos or natural habitats. But to be fair Zoo's play a big part in returning in returning some of the red list species back into their original environments.
If it bothers you, just scroll on by.
If it bothers you, just scroll on by.
November 11, 2025 at 1:35 PM
It says a hobbyist photographer who likes wildlife, and I like wildlife in all forms whether that be in zoos or natural habitats. But to be fair Zoo's play a big part in returning in returning some of the red list species back into their original environments.
If it bothers you, just scroll on by.
If it bothers you, just scroll on by.
Reposted by Damien W.
China’s ‘extinct’ Pere David’s deer makes historic comeback. Once wiped out in wild, China’s milu (Pere David’s deer) staged great wildlife recovery. From 39 animals reintroduced from British zoos 1986, herd at Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve grew to >8500, part of a nationwide population >14000
October 31, 2025 at 4:29 AM
China’s ‘extinct’ Pere David’s deer makes historic comeback. Once wiped out in wild, China’s milu (Pere David’s deer) staged great wildlife recovery. From 39 animals reintroduced from British zoos 1986, herd at Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve grew to >8500, part of a nationwide population >14000
Reposted by Damien W.
I love that zoos and aquariums have just unilaterally declared all these animal-focused holidays and agreed to celebrate them together on socials. "Happy International Musk Ox Day" you too king
October 25, 2025 at 1:45 AM
I love that zoos and aquariums have just unilaterally declared all these animal-focused holidays and agreed to celebrate them together on socials. "Happy International Musk Ox Day" you too king
Reposted by Damien W.
Funny you should mention her. Dr. Goodall was actually a pretty prominent supporter of accredited zoos!
She has ties to many zoos and their conservation programs!
She has ties to many zoos and their conservation programs!
October 12, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Funny you should mention her. Dr. Goodall was actually a pretty prominent supporter of accredited zoos!
She has ties to many zoos and their conservation programs!
She has ties to many zoos and their conservation programs!
The reason I was blocked was because I did research on the subject and proved them wrong.
A reminder: Do your own research before assuming the best/worst in a zoo or aquarium.
A reminder: Do your own research before assuming the best/worst in a zoo or aquarium.
Both Green Sea Turtles at Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto are rescues. Bandit was rescued in 2021 in Georgia, U.S.
Schoona was rescued in 2005 by the Vancouver Aquarium and transferred some time in 2023.
Perhaps before assuming the worst, you should ask questions.
Not all zoos/aquariums are bad.
Schoona was rescued in 2005 by the Vancouver Aquarium and transferred some time in 2023.
Perhaps before assuming the worst, you should ask questions.
Not all zoos/aquariums are bad.
October 12, 2025 at 9:54 PM
The reason I was blocked was because I did research on the subject and proved them wrong.
A reminder: Do your own research before assuming the best/worst in a zoo or aquarium.
A reminder: Do your own research before assuming the best/worst in a zoo or aquarium.
Reposted by Damien W.
Anytime I see any “activist” talking about zoos or aquariums it’s always feelings and never facts…no science or sense just click bait and dumb sentiments that lead to nothing.
October 9, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Anytime I see any “activist” talking about zoos or aquariums it’s always feelings and never facts…no science or sense just click bait and dumb sentiments that lead to nothing.
Reposted by Damien W.
I am a proud supporter of well-run zoos and aquariums. They’re vital partners for science, conservation, and public support for both.
The Miami SeaQuarium- which was for many years home to the “world’s loneliest orca”- was a disaster.
It shuts down forever this weekend.
I won’t miss it.
The Miami SeaQuarium- which was for many years home to the “world’s loneliest orca”- was a disaster.
It shuts down forever this weekend.
I won’t miss it.
October 7, 2025 at 11:57 AM
I am a proud supporter of well-run zoos and aquariums. They’re vital partners for science, conservation, and public support for both.
The Miami SeaQuarium- which was for many years home to the “world’s loneliest orca”- was a disaster.
It shuts down forever this weekend.
I won’t miss it.
The Miami SeaQuarium- which was for many years home to the “world’s loneliest orca”- was a disaster.
It shuts down forever this weekend.
I won’t miss it.
Reposted by Damien W.
In late April, we welcomed a brand-new American Red Wolf pup to the pack! With less than 30 individuals left in the wild, this little girl is a crucial part of her species' conservation success. Luckily, she's doing well and has recently found her voice 🐺🎶🌍
October 4, 2025 at 7:01 PM
In late April, we welcomed a brand-new American Red Wolf pup to the pack! With less than 30 individuals left in the wild, this little girl is a crucial part of her species' conservation success. Luckily, she's doing well and has recently found her voice 🐺🎶🌍
Dr. Goodall was a legend in the zoological field. An inspiration to many young scientists, especially young women in the field.
She also understood the importance of accredited zoos.
May her legacy live on in all of us.
She also understood the importance of accredited zoos.
May her legacy live on in all of us.
October 1, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Dr. Goodall was a legend in the zoological field. An inspiration to many young scientists, especially young women in the field.
She also understood the importance of accredited zoos.
May her legacy live on in all of us.
She also understood the importance of accredited zoos.
May her legacy live on in all of us.
Reposted by Damien W.
saving species is possible #endangered
September 25, 2025 at 4:06 PM
saving species is possible #endangered
Reposted by Damien W.
An update to the Zoo Sphere of Influence model was recently published in the Biological Conservation journal (tinyurl.com/zoosphere)
This model, first conceived in 2023, originally set out to replace the 50-year-old perception of zoos and aquariums...
🌎1/4
This model, first conceived in 2023, originally set out to replace the 50-year-old perception of zoos and aquariums...
🌎1/4
September 25, 2025 at 8:28 AM
An update to the Zoo Sphere of Influence model was recently published in the Biological Conservation journal (tinyurl.com/zoosphere)
This model, first conceived in 2023, originally set out to replace the 50-year-old perception of zoos and aquariums...
🌎1/4
This model, first conceived in 2023, originally set out to replace the 50-year-old perception of zoos and aquariums...
🌎1/4
Reposted by Damien W.
Calling all zoo professionals: we are running a global survey of zoo and aquarium visitors to better understand nature connection and wellbeing outcomes to visits - and we want you to be involved!
Info: linktr.ee/bridget_sci
#science #research
🦇🧪🌍🌏🌎🧪🦇
Info: linktr.ee/bridget_sci
#science #research
🦇🧪🌍🌏🌎🧪🦇
September 22, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Calling all zoo professionals: we are running a global survey of zoo and aquarium visitors to better understand nature connection and wellbeing outcomes to visits - and we want you to be involved!
Info: linktr.ee/bridget_sci
#science #research
🦇🧪🌍🌏🌎🧪🦇
Info: linktr.ee/bridget_sci
#science #research
🦇🧪🌍🌏🌎🧪🦇
Reposted by Damien W.
100%! Who would want to read about an animal instead of see it? Reputable facilities keep species alive & encourage visitors to give a damn about them & their spaces.
Would zoo-haters prefer they were dead? Because none of them would survive in the wild, & that’s a whole lot crueler than a zoo.
Would zoo-haters prefer they were dead? Because none of them would survive in the wild, & that’s a whole lot crueler than a zoo.
September 7, 2025 at 11:42 PM
100%! Who would want to read about an animal instead of see it? Reputable facilities keep species alive & encourage visitors to give a damn about them & their spaces.
Would zoo-haters prefer they were dead? Because none of them would survive in the wild, & that’s a whole lot crueler than a zoo.
Would zoo-haters prefer they were dead? Because none of them would survive in the wild, & that’s a whole lot crueler than a zoo.