Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery
Why does the zoological industry need a specialized disaster response organization?
There are several excellent nonprofit and governmental disaster response organizations for domestic animals. As the only animal disaster response group specializing in non-domestic animals, ZDR3 has become a resource for these groups when they discover a non-domestic animal or require related subject matter expertise.
As an industry-led effort, ZDR3 provides support to zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and other non-domestic animal businesses before, during, and after significant incidents.
ZDR3 responds upon request, independent of affiliation.
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As natural disasters and abnormal weather events continue to intensify and increase in frequency, we lead a cross-industry network that responds to large-scale incidents at
non-domestic animal facilities.
The heart of the ZDR3 Network are the animal professionals concerned about the welfare of all animals in human care, not just those at their own institutions. Although the nuts and bolts of a zoological disaster response begins and ends with coordinating responders and resources, everyone’s shared goal is to ensure the safety and welfare of the staff and animals at an impacted facility.
Response activities can include short-term assistance with animal husbandry; removing downed vegetation; repairing life support systems, buildings, and fences; feeding and supporting facility staff; and locating and obtaining necessary resources.
How the ZDR3 Network Operates
ZDR3 employs a small team of dedicated personnel who work year-round to monitor hazards, maintain and grow our response network, and support network readiness. Our response network consists of zoological facilities throughout the U.S. who have signed mutual aid agreements known as memorandums of understanding (MOUs). ZDR3 also collaborates with a wide range of entities in relevant sectors (government, nonprofit, and private) and continuously expands these connections to enhance response capacity.
ZDR3’s growing Response Network has more than 175 member facilities in 37 states as of March 2024.
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