ZAA Members Step Up to Assist Others

ZAA Accredited Facility News
June 10, 2025•2 min read

Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) is the only zoological disaster response organization in the U.S., with a staff and network ready to assist impacted facilities before, during, and after significant incidents—including those that are not weather-related. Our growing network currently includes more than 200 member facilities in 40 states and U.S. territories, representing a variety of accreditation, industry business models, statuses, and membership groups.

One fact that stands out to us: how many ZDR3 Network members are also members of, and/or accredited by ZAA. We appreciate the support ZAA has demonstrated as a partner organization.

When we compiled our 2024 after-action reports we were struck with how many of the facilities that sent disaster response teams were from ZAA accredited facilities or led by ZAA members.

  • Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo

  • Big Cat Habitat

  • Fort Worth Zoo

  • Keystone Safari

  • Myakka Elephant Ranch

  • Project Survival Cat Haven

  • San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

  • Zoofari Parks

  • ZooWorld 

Big Cat Habitat

Big Cat Habitat and Keystone Safari disaster response teams with ZDR3 Executive Director, Julia Wilder, in front of debris they removed to make way for new habitats after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton damaged a Florida facility.

SDZWA

Responders from the San Diego Wildlife Alliance loading one of the animals they helped evacuate from a California facility threatened by fire.

Special thanks to the individuals and companies who were on alert to provide critical remote assistance and specialized resources:

  • Chahinkapa Zoo

  • Circle M Livestock and Hauling

  • Frank Buck Zoo

  • Mazuri Exotic Animal Products

  • Monterey Zoo

  • Premier Logistics

  • San Antonio Zoo

  • Steve Martin’s Working Wildlife

  • Wild Wonders

We appreciate everyone who has supported us through the years—especially the early adopters who believed in our vision.

If your facility is not already a member of the ZDR3 Network, it’s easy to join. There is no cost, you are not obligated to respond, and we provide the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). 

Learn more about ZDR3 by visiting our website or following us on Facebook or Instagram.

We are Stronger Together

ZDR3ZAA MembersZAA Accredited Facilities

Julia Wilder

Julia Wilder, Executive Director & Co-Founder, ZDR3

Back to Blog