Resource Management

ZDR3 manages the nation’s most comprehensive zoological disaster resource systems. Our resource management program ensures that facilities and response teams have the tools, supplies, and trained personnel required to help protect animal welfare, care for collections, and restore critical systems following disasters.

Managing Resources Before and During a Disaster

Resource management at ZDR3 is divided into two key components:

Steady‑State (Preparedness Phase)

Between responses, ZDR3 maintains its extensive network of responders, equipment, and specialized resources. This includes verifying contact information, checking equipment readiness, typing supplies and responder capabilities, and expanding access to new or regionally specific assets.

Incident Operations (Response Phase)

During a disaster, ZDR3 activates, deploys, and tracks resources based on facility requests and evolving needs on the ground. Each asset—from equipment and supplies to skilled personnel—is carefully coordinated through the ZDR3 Communications Command Post (CCP) to ensure safe, efficient delivery and accountability through the full lifecycle of the response.

Resources managed by ZDR3 include: 

  • Equipment

  • Specialty tools 

  • Feed

  • Water systems

  • Off‑site animal holding areas

  • Responders and response teams with specialized skillsets

  • Individuals with professional expertise unique to zoological and aquarium operations to provide guidance

Monitoring and Activation

As a potential event develops, ZDR3 monitors conditions and communicates with potential deployment units about readiness actions. Once a facility requests assistance, the CCP contacts MOU holders and other network partners to identify appropriate and available resources.

Decision‑making considers:

  • Proximity and logistics of deployment units

  • Resource capacity and availability

  • Unique technical capabilities or equipment needs

  • Seasonal conditions and anticipated future events

During activation, mobilization, and transit, the CCP maintains two‑way communication with all deployment units, providing updates, route information, and safety alerts to ensure efficient arrival to the scene.

On‑Scene Support and Coordination

Once on‑site, ZDR3 responders coordinate directly with the CCP to identify ongoing resource requirements. The CCP may simultaneously manage multiple deployment groups—some traveling, others staged, and others active at an impact site—ensuring clarity, accountability, and smooth coordination.

Support activities include:

  • Dispatching and reallocating resources based on changing needs

  • Conducting real‑time tracking of personnel and equipment

  • Assessing requests for additional support or specialized skill sets

  • Issuing risk assessments, site maps, and updated information packets

If long‑term assistance is needed, the CCP works with relevant entities to plan follow‑on recovery support after initial operations conclude.

Demobilization and Closeout

At the conclusion of a deployment, ZDR3 structures a comprehensive demobilization process to account for all resources and document lessons learned. This includes:

  • Confirming return and condition of assets and inventory 

  • Logging post‑incident data and equipment performance

  • Sharing summary information with participating partners

  • Preparing materials for after‑action reports and recovery coordination

Resource Typing and Standardization

Supplies and Equipment

ZDR3 uses a hybrid approach to resource typing, combining national standards with industry‑specific classification:

  • Supply and equipment typing is based on the FEMA Standardized Equipment Lists (SEL) and frameworks from other animal‑related response teams.

  • Where no FEMA standard or relevant framework exists, ZDR3 develops specialized categories tailored to zoological operations.

Typing enables quick identification, compatibility, and mobilization of the right materials during crises. ZDR3 currently identifies 54 unique supply categories and 521 individual supply types, creating what is believed to be the most complete zoological disaster resource catalog available.

Responder and Team Typing

In addition to supply typing, ZDR3 maintains detailed responder and team classifications aligned where possible with the National Qualification System (NQS). Roles and team structures are specifically designed for the exotic animal care industry.

Output and Benefits

ZDR3’s resource management and typing systems provide clear, measurable benefits:

  • Efficient coordination of essentials such as response tools, support materials, and personnel

  • Consistent communication and integration with allied organizations, including animal disaster and emergency management partners

Continuous Improvement

ZDR3 dedicates significant time between activations to improving its catalog, refining responder capabilities, and enhancing resource coordination software. This ongoing effort ensures that every deployment—large or small—is supported by accurate information, organized assets, and properly trained responders.

Through this combination of meticulous readiness and coordinated activation, ZDR3 ensures that the zoological community’s unique resources are always ready, relevant, and resilient.