Newsroom
Interested in producing a story about ZDR3?
communications@zdr3.org
Media Contact:
(919) 625 -6632
Please note: for safety, we do not invite media to accompany ZDR3 Network responders during a response. We are happy to provide you with images, context, and contacts for your story.
Press Releases
Newsletters
“Stronger Together” Blog
2025
AZA Zoos Assist Colleagues Dealing with Disasters
Connect Magazine
9/3/2025
On a good day, running a zoological facility includes plenty of day-to-day challenges. Responding to natural and human-caused disasters adds layers of complications. That’s why Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) was formed in 2019; we coordinate zoological professionals to assist colleagues before, during, and after disasters. Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos have played an important role from the beginning.
ZDR3 is Prepared to Assist with Flooding in Central Texas
ZDR3 News Release
7/7/2025
ZDR3 has been in communication with ZDR3 Network facilities in the impacted region. As of 7/7/2025, 6:30AM EST, no ZDR3 Network members have reported outstanding needs. Multiple ZDR3 teams are located in the immediate region and are on standby if needed for deployment. This includes facility teams, ZDR3 Board Members, and one ZDR3 staff member. Several teams have watercraft capabilities of varying capacity.
ZAA Members Step Up to Assist Others
ZAA Accredited Facility News
6/10/2025
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.
AAZK Chapters Support Their Peers Impacted By Disaster
Animal Keeper’s Forum
4/2025
The April issue of Animal Keepers’ Forum includes an article featuring several American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) chapters that supported their peers impacted by disasters.
PODCAST: Los Angeles Fires
Zoo Logic Podcast
1/16/2025
Julia Wilder, Executive Director of ZDR3 (Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery) returns to discuss the unfolding fires in Los Angeles. Julia describes how the risks and response to wild land fires are different in nature and immediacy compared to the hurricane disasters ZDR3 has been called in to assist with as recently as this past fall.
Wildlife center struggles to return after hurricanes
Florida Weekly
1/16/2025
Dealt a double blow from two hurricanes, the Peace River Wildlife Center is coming back with some hard work and help from supporters, volunteers and other wildlife rescues and rehabilitation entities that have become a network of newfound friends.
2024
WGCU - Peace River Wildlife digs out after Helene and Milton's one-two punch
Tricia LaPointe, executive director of the Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda, and her team have been trying to put the center back together after being hit this fall back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton.
WGCU News
12/11/2024
VIDEO: Peace River Wildlife Center makes progress as they build back after Helene and Milton
WGCU News
12/3/2024
Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda, FL, is moving forward and are hopeful to have their education center back open before the new year. They have removed the buildings at the education center and will bring in temporary structures so they can bring the residents home and open back up.
Zoological Recovery From Helene and Milton
Zoo Logic Podcast
10/31/2024
The Executive Director and co-founder of Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery (ZDR3), Julia Wilder returns to discuss her organization's efforts to assist zoological facilities in the wake of back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton.With nearly 200 USDA licensed animal facilities joined together to provide mutual aid to institutions in distress, ZDR3 has already surpassed all expectations in its 5-year history.
Renewed hope for Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda after storm damage
WINK News
10/28/2024
Earlier this month we showed you how Hurricane Milton decimated the Peace River Wildlife Center, leaving the organization with no choice but to close indefinitely. Even though their buildings are going to have to be demolished, there’s now growing hope for everyone involved with the organization.
VIDEO: Peace River Wildlife Center unable to reopen after Milton
WINK News
10/16/2024
Hurricane Milton left a wildlife refuge in Charlotte County almost unrecognizable - just take a look you can see the damage all across the Peace River Wildlife Center.
Local animal park ready to aid zoos facing hurricane challenges
Allied News
10/15/2024
Keystone Safari is preparing to aid zoos in southern states that fell victim to the hurricane. Zookeeper Brian Shaffer said the zoo is part of an organization know as ZDR3, or Zoological Disaster Response.
Never Too Late to Prepare for Disaster
Zoo Logic Podcast
7/11/2024
Hurricane Beryl's effect on the Texas power grid still being felt by millions of people reminds us all that natural disasters like wind, fire, or flood can can occur anywhere with devastating consequences. Fortunately the team at Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery (ZDR3) has experience helping facilities plan for and if needed, respond to emergencies that can disrupt the lives of animals, staff, and the surrounding community.
Disaster Planning
Zoo Logic Podcast
2/29/2024
The Executive Director of Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3), Julia Matson Wagner, returns on the eve of this coming season for natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. After several years focusing on providing immediate disaster response and support for affected zoological facilities, ZDR3 has grown in scope in terms of the number of participating facilities and expanded educational outreach.
Prepare for Zoological Disasters: ZDR3 Regional Response Readiness Workshop Will be Held in April
ZDR3 News Release
2/26/2024
The next ZDR3 Regional Response Readiness workshop, hosted by Texas State Aquarium, is being held April 9-10, 2024. It is for FEMA Region 6 (TX, OK, LA, NM, & AR), though participants from other regions are welcome. A facility does not need to be a member of ZDR3 to participate.
John Ball Zoo Team Trains to Help Other Zoos During Natural Disasters
Connect Magazine
1/02/2024
When a disaster strikes zoos across the country, John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Mich., is there to help. John Ball Zoo is part of the Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) Network, the largest zoological disaster response organization in the United States. John Ball Zoo is the second zoo in Michigan to join the ZDR3 Response Network and is on call to respond to disasters due to weather, financial difficulties, and other traumatic events.
2023
‘We’re a family’: John Ball Zoo working with others to help in case of disasters
Wood TV
11/28/2023
When disaster strikes, John Ball Zoo is ready to put on its best superhero cape and jump into action. Last year, the Grand Rapids zoo joined the Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery Network, or ZDR3, which connects zoos and other organizations that house exotic animals in 32 states and allows them to rely on one another if a problem happens.
From Ride Out to Recovery
Connect Magaine
9/20/2023
How Zoological Disaster Responders Assist Their Colleagues in Need. When Hurricane Ian blasted through Florida in August 2022, it left 152 people dead and almost $113 billion in damage. Massive local, state, federal, and nonprofit resources were devoted to human welfare, and news stories focused on countless tales of human tragedies.
Guam Zoo closed due to substantial typhoon damages; community support sought
KUAM News
6/16/2023
The very familiar turnstiles that generations of Guamanians have happily passed through, ushering them from the bustle of the Tumon strip to a world of nature, discovery and wonderment is closed...at least for the time being. The Guam Zoo, owned and managed by Jimmy and Barbara Cushing, suffered significant damage at the hands of Typhoon Mawar three weeks ago.
Super Typhoon Mawar Smashed the Zoo but Spared the Animals
ZDR3 News Release
6/10/2023
When Super Typhoon Mawar made landfall as a category 4 storm on May 25, the founders of the island’s only zoo were riding it out in their home with many of their smaller animals, including Mariana fruit bats, birds, and turtles. A representative from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), who was working in a disaster response role, immediately recognized the need for additional support and recommended a resource the Cushings weren’t aware of: Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3).
How Texas-founded zoo response network helps facilities, animals in disasters
KXAN News
2/26/2023
While Central Texans recovers from this month’s ice storm and influx of downed trees and other debris, a group founded by Texas officials has provided relief to some furry friends over at the Austin Zoo. Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery (ZDR3) was founded in Texas in 2019 following Hurricane Harvey.
San Antonio Zoo provides a helping hand to Austin Zoo following the ice storm
KVUE ABC
2/21/2023
The Austin Zoo received a helping hand from the San Antonio Zoo to clean up the debris left behind by the ice storm. Earlier in February, Central Texas was iced over and when the ice melted, trees and other debris littered the roads, homes and the habitats of zoo animals over at the Austin Zoo. Although no animals were harmed by the storm, their habitats were covered in debris, and the fencing and some roofs were damaged. In order to fix the issues left behind by the storm, the zoo closed for six days but needed help tackling the massive job.
San Antonio Zoo provides support to Austin Zoo after winter storm
KSAT
2/21/2023
After the winter storm left the Austin Zoo in disarray earlier this month, the San Antonio Zoo stepped in to help. Although no animals were injured, the February ice storm left uprooted trees, dropped limbs, debris, and extensive damage to the animals’ outdoor habitats. After being forced to close its doors for a week, the Austin Zoo’s executive director, Patti Clark, called the Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery for assistance, a news release said.
San Antonio Zoo Disaster Response Team Responds to Call for Assistance from Austin Zoo
ZDR3 News Release
2/19/2023
Earlier this month, icing from Winter Storm Mara uprooted trees and dropped limbs throughout the Austin Zoo. No animals were injured because they were all in their night houses and dens. The storm left the animals’ outdoor habitats littered with debris, and damage to some fencing and roofs. The zoo was closed for six days while their staff cleared visitor paths, creating massive brush piles they struggled to remove. The zoo’s executive director, Patti Clark, realized it was time to call Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) for assistance
Disaster Response Team from Monterey Zoo Returns Animals to Applegate Park Zoo
ZDR3 News Release
2/12/2023
Applegate Park Zoo’s animals have returned home from the Monterey Zoo. A team from the Monterey Zoo, in Salinas, CA, evacuated more than a dozen animals on January 13, when Applegate Park Zoo was under threat of flooding. The evacuated animals included bears, bobcats, coyote, foxes, monkeys, deer, and raccoons. Monterey Zoo housed and cared for the animals for three weeks, which allowed Applegate Zoo to recover and perform necessary repairs.
Zoo animals evacuated, Bear Creek banks reinforced in Merced ahead of storm
ABC 30 Action News
1/14/2023
MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Efforts were underway in Merced on Friday to protect people, property, and zoo animals from the next round of rain. In addition to downed trees, dislodged sediment, and erosion, the trail that borders Bear Creek has city and state crews working to fortify areas of concern.
ZDR3 Responders Evacuate Animals Under Threat from Floodwater
ZDR3 News Release
1/14/2023
More than a dozen animals evacuated from Applegate Park Zoo in Merced, CA, which was under threat of flooding, arrived at Monterey Zoo at midnight on Friday, January 13. The evacuated animals included bears, bobcats, coyote, foxes, monkeys, deer, and raccoons. Monterey Zoo founder, Charlie Sammut, says the animals are welcome to stay at his zoo as long as necessary. Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) coordinated the evacuation.
2022
SeaWorld Conservation Fund Makes 10 Emergency Grants to Help Wildlife Organizations Impacted by Hurricane Ian
United Parks and Resorts
11/8/2022
In response to the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the SeaWorld Conservation Fund has made emergency grants to 10 Florida zoological and wildlife rescue organizations impacted by the storm. These emergency grants will help facility recovery efforts and directly benefit various animal species including big cats, iguanas, lemurs, seabirds, sea turtles, wolves and others. (…) One emergency grant recipient is the Zoological Disaster Rescue, Response and Recovery (ZDR3), the largest zoological response organization in the United States.
ZDR3 Post Ian
Zoo Logic Podcast
10/20/2022
We catch up with Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) executive director, Julia Wagner following their deployment to south Florida immediately after hurricane Ian made landfall. Julia shares what the team discovered, and how member zoo and aquarium facilities both in the region and from several states away were quick to provide resources and expertise to help facilities devastated by flooding, power loss, downed trees and damaged structures and fencing.
Zoo devastated by Ian gets help
CBS Miami
10/3/2022
Zoo devastated by Hurricane Ian gets help from around the nation.
San Antonio Zoo sending team to help with Hurricane Ian recovery
KENS-5
10/2/2022
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Zoo is mobilizing a support unit Sunday morning to the main impact zone of Hurricane Ian in Punta Gorda, Florida, as part of the Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3). The zoo is sending leadership, an electrician, a welder, and additional multi-trade individuals to assist in clearing debris, restoring power, and fixing facilities and habitats.
ZDR3 Quickly Deploys in the Wake of Hurricane Ian
Zoo Logic Podcast
10/1/2022
Less than 24 hours after the near category 5 strength hurricane Ian made landfall in southwestern Florida, Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) executive director, Julia Wagner, was already booked on a flight to help the region's zoos and aquariums. Julia describes the consortium of over 100 zoological facilities nationwide who have signed on to lend assistance, staffing, expertise, and other resources whenever facilities request help following natural and made-made disasters or incidents.
Palm Beach Zoo Staff Deployed to Help with Hurricane Ian Recovery
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
10/2022
Members of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society team were deployed on Friday through Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3), the largest zoological disaster response organization in the United States. The Zoo team lent their skills to The Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City, FL, located inland from Sarasota.
Specialized Disaster Response Network Assisted Zoological Parks Damaged by Hurricane Ian
American Humane Society
10/2022
Hurricane Ian did not just destroy human homes; it damaged Florida zoos, aquariums, and other facilities that house non-domestic animals. Hurricane-strength winds and tornadoes the storm spawned left sites littered with downed trees and damaged electrical infrastructure. As the storm departed Florida, a team from Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) arrived to provide specialized assistance.text
San Antonio-area organizations mobilizing to help Florida as Hurricane Ian bears down
KENS-5
9/27/2022
SAN ANTONIO — Hurricane Ian is growing in strength as it pushes closer to Florida's west coast and the race to prepare for the storm is underway. Here in San Antonio, organizations are also answering the call for help. The San Antonio Zoo is also on standby through its association and group called Zoo Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery.
2021
ZDR3: Zoo Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery
Zoo Logic Podcast
4/1/2021
According to its website, Zoo Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) provides support to zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and other exotic animal businesses before, during, and after significant incidents. ZDR3 director, Julia Wagner, describes how this peer-to-peer support organization came to be as several facilities sent supplies and staff to aid others severely damaged in the wake of natural disasters like recent hurricanes.
2020
ZooWorld deploys teams to Alabama, Louisiana following hurricanes
WJHG Newsroom
9/22/2020
A local zoo is lending some helping paws following hurricanes Laura and Sally. Officials with ZooWorld say they have sent two teams of four to six staff members to assist with relief efforts so far this year. Kayte Hogan, the zoo’s director, said that following their experiences with Hurricane Michael, they decided that they would help as long as they are able to.
Frank Buck Zoo director involved in Hurricane Laura disaster response
Gainesville Daily Register
9/1/2020
As Hurricane Laura threatened the Texas coast, Frank Buck Zoo Director Susan Kleven had a job to do: disaster response. Kleven helped facilitate an ongoing coordinated response to the hurricane by running the Command Center on behalf of the Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery (ZDR3) team, made up of several zoos and wildlife facilities in Texas and surrounding states and headquartered at the Fort Worth Zoo.
Fort Worth Zoo Sends Relief Squad to Louisiana
Fort Worth Magazine
8/28/2020
On Friday, a group of zoo employees traveled to the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo in Monroe, Louisiana, one of the animal facilities that sustained significant damage due to Hurricane Laura. The Fort Worth Zoo is transporting a UTV, trailers, chainsaws, and other equipment to assist with removing downed trees and debris, as well as repairing some facilities. The group is part of the Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery (ZDR3) team, which is made up of several zoos and wildlife facilities in Texas and surrounding states. ZDR3 was initially created in 2017 to help animal facilities affected by Hurricane Harvey. The group's headquarters is at the Fort Worth Zoo.
Fort Worth Zoo assisting Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo
The Business Press
8/28/2020
Fort Worth Zoo Executive Director Michael Fouraker is leading a team of employees to the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo in Monroe, Louisiana, one of the animal facilities affected by Hurricane Laura. The Zoo will transport a UTV, trailers, chainsaws and other equipment, and will lend their expertise to help the local team assess the damage and begin cleanup efforts. (…) This is a coordinated effort of the Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery (ZDR3) team, which is comprised of several zoos and wildlife facilities in Texas and surrounding states, headquartered at the Fort Worth Zoo, the news release said,