Testimonials
What Others Say About ZDR3
ZDR3 has a very small staff that coordinates a growing network of responders throughout the U.S. to assist zoological facilities that have been impacted by a disaster.
Although we initiate a response when we receive a request for help, we are often accompanied by ZDR3 Network responders from one or more zoological facilities who have volunteered to help colleagues in need. So the appreciation expressed by those we have helped often extends beyond our staff to include many others who have sent staff and/or resources.
We are Stronger Together
Kind Words from Some We Have Helped
(Names of impacted facilities withheld for privacy)
The professionalism and exceptional skills the responders brought were amazing! The team cut and cleared trees, removed debris and so much more. They also cheered and supported the staff, which meant so much. Astonishingly, all of this was provided at no cost to us, enabling us to channel more funds into the staggering recovery costs.
- Director of a facility damaged by a hurricane
The devastation to our zoo and our home nearly broke us. We did not know if we would be able to survive this catastrophe so soon after the pandemic.
Looking out at the zoo and seeing the damage and repairs that would need to happen quickly paralyzed us and although we dug in and immediately started cleaning debris (because what else could we do?), we struggled every day to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
When a responder from ZDR3 arrived she immediately sprang into action. We could have never imagined the blessing bestowed upon us by this generous and altruistic group of people. [The ZDR3 Executive Director] handled our public relations when words escaped us, and provided pathways for us to receive help and donations. At no point did she ever make us feel indebted. Her humility, compassion, and fierce protectiveness helped us open our hearts and minds to feeling hope that recovery was possible, and we would not fall to this monumental disaster.
- Co-owner of a facility damaged by a hurricane
I have always considered myself as mentally strong person, but what I felt before ZDR3 arrived was an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and despair. “How was I going to keep all our animals healthy and stress free?” “Where would I get fresh produce and water for them?” “When will some of my staff be back to work?” “How am I going to get our damaged electric system to our main line that were vital to keeping our animals healthy?” “Where would I find gas to keep our generators running?” “Where would I find the extra funding I need to repair my facility?”
Within a few days an experienced response team arrived and tirelessly worked to hook up our electrical system and cut up all downed trees to manageable sizes that we can later dispose of. What they have managed to do in two days was truly miraculous!!!
I’m so grateful that all our animals are thriving after the hurricane and that I can face future challenges, not alone but with friends and families!!!
- Director of a facility damaged by a hurricane
They cleared four of our worst-hit habitats in a matter of seven hours. It's absolutely amazing! Their crew is twice the size of our facilities department. It would have taken us weeks to accomplish what they've been able to do in one day. We are so grateful for their help, and for them helping us to recover and create a safe environment for our staff, our animals, and our guests. While there is still much work to be done, this has helped move us further down the long path to full recovery.
- Director of a facility damaged by a hurricane
Kind Words From Some Who Participated in Responses
Our team—having spent two 14 hour days cutting trees, clearing brush and mending fences at a small zoo hit hard by a hurricane—was worn out. Feeling like we had accomplished a week’s worth of work in two long days we were feeling pretty proud. What really tugged at our hearts was when the zoo director came to see us off and said, “You have really done a lot to help us in the last two days. But even moreso, you have given the staff hope when they were overwhelmed, and made them see that we can survive this.” We ARE stronger together!
- Michael Fouraker, Director of Fort Worth Zoo, and Co-Founder, President, & Treasurer of ZDR3
We had no shortage of staff who wanted to go. Hurricanes threaten zoos and aquariums in Florida almost every year. We always check in on our colleagues and help if we can. The ZDR3 Network has made that process seamless. They organize the effort as well as bring in the needed resources.
- Margo McKnight, President and CEO of Palm Beach Zoo
We love to help others in need, as they are our neighbors in the industry. Our culture is to take care of each other, and that includes our peers and others caring for animals. Having access to a network of zoos that have committed to help one another is incredibly valuable. There is so much to deal with after a disaster, having a third party like ZDR3 coordinating and bringing in assistance allows the facility to focus on other needs, even their own personal needs, as they are often impacted at home by the same disaster.
- Tim Morrow, President and CEO of San Antonio Zoo
When a natural disaster strikes, it takes a village—not just one institution. We must be willing and have a program in place to help all when this happens. ZDR3 has helped many facilities in the past and will continue to help facilities in the future.
- Joan Hemker, Founder and Co-Owner of Hemker Park & Zoo