Damien W.'s Avatar

Damien W.

@thatzooguy

I support ACCREDITED zoos/aquariums | Zoology student | he/him | 24 | I made this account to quash anti-zoo rhetoric online | Not all zoos are bad!

77
Followers
79
Following
1,483
Posts
26.11.2024
Joined
Posts Following

Latest posts by Damien W. @thatzooguy

Video thumbnail

You can love animal care deeply and still deserve rest, respect, and fair treatment. Passion isn’t a free pass for exploitation. What boundary do you wish the field honored more?

06.01.2026 00:43 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

It’s not for entertainment, there is much more to it. I don’t expect you to understand the complexity of the Species Survival Plan (I’m not a biologist so that type of genealogy stuff goes over my head usually too)

06.01.2026 05:44 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Firstly, zoochosis is not a real term based in science. Repetitive behaviors are definitely real, but that term was coined by anti-zoo groups to push a false notion.

06.01.2026 05:42 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

I don’t deny the dark past of zoos and the the colonialism that followed them. But like many things, the origins of something should not change it from improving for the better.

06.01.2026 05:41 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

-Educates the public
-Treats animals with the utmost respect WITH protective barriers ensuring both animals and staff are protected

I’m definitely forgetting a few, but those are what immediately came to mind.

06.01.2026 05:05 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 0

An aquarium/zoo that:

-Excels in animal welfare,
-Participates in multiple conservation projects (whether that be through breeding, working with indigenous communities, etc.)
-Has at LEAST 1 collaborative project with accredited colleges and/or universities

06.01.2026 05:05 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 0

You going through my profile to old posts proves my point. You hate, while zoos save.

06.01.2026 04:41 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Easy. Because you’re now going down my profile commenting and acting a fool.

In other words, you are too hateful to rationally comprehend the situation.

06.01.2026 04:41 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

This did not answer my question. If you’re unsure that’s fine.

06.01.2026 04:38 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Yes that is my account. And no not all zoos are bad. I would highly recommend learning to research each zoo individually.

I would also suggest comparing and contrasting the conservation efforts in place.

06.01.2026 04:37 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

That’s unfortunate and absolutely understandable.

Modern accredited zoos are much more than places for entertainment. There is much more to them. β€œHerbivore” will intentionally not show that and block anyone refuting their false claims.

06.01.2026 04:27 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

A large portion of the vegan movement cannot differentiate between good and bad zoos/aquariums.

Which is why I will not be conforming to the lifestyle anytime soon.

06.01.2026 04:20 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 0

Interesting image, when was the photo taken? Likely before the existence of accreditation.

06.01.2026 04:14 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Herbivore is likely not giving the full story when it comes to zoos. There is much more to accredited zoos than what you are being shown.

06.01.2026 04:12 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 0

No, not quite. Your generalizations do nothing to help animals that are suffering in bad zoos.

There are good zoos and bad zoos.

06.01.2026 04:09 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

There is a Zookeeper on TikTok who absolutely eviscerates PETA, propaganda like "Blackfish," and people who say things like, "zoos are c0nc3ntration camps for animals," with the both most nuanced and informed positions available, and it's truly a beautiful thing.

05.01.2026 01:03 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A map of the U.S. includes icons representing ZDR3 Network member facility locations spread throughout the mainland, Hawaii, and Guam.

A map of the U.S. includes icons representing ZDR3 Network member facility locations spread throughout the mainland, Hawaii, and Guam.

Over 6 years our network has grown to include more than 220 members across 40 states & U.S. territories, representing #zoos, #aquariums, #sanctuaries, & specialized #wildlife organizations of every size. Preparedness is a shared responsibility that unites the entire zoological community.

05.01.2026 13:57 πŸ‘ 6 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Post image Post image Post image

Shark Nursery Update from Raja Ampat! We have exciting news to kick off the new year: all 7 zebra shark eggs we sent to Bali have officially hatched at the RARCC nursery! That’s a 100% hatching success, which is truly incredible for this endangered species. The pups include 2 males and 5 females. πŸ’™

03.01.2026 01:37 πŸ‘ 188 πŸ” 35 πŸ’¬ 5 πŸ“Œ 2

Our results also show that flamingos in human care in zoos are genetically fit to serve as a source for reintroduction programs to Florida, which is a very exciting find - especially as there is increasing interest in active recovery programs for American Flamingos in Florida.

31.12.2025 14:18 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Oakland Zoo on Instagram: "2025 was another amazing year of Taking Action for Wildlife! Swipe to see a few milestones we're proud of from the past year. ✨" 450 likes, 11 comments - oaklandzoo on December 30, 2025: "2025 was another amazing year of Taking Action for Wildlife! Swipe to see a few milestones we're proud of from the past year. ✨".

It’s not exploitation and it’s not β€œbehind bars.” Please do more research on the topic. It is much more than just entertainment.

31.12.2025 20:11 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Are you referring to the conversation organizations that work in tandem with accredited zoos?

If by β€œdebunks” you mean greatly misrepresents the reach of zoos and aquariums, sure.

31.12.2025 09:03 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

I dislike racism and homophobia but support accredited zoos.

So in theory I’m the inverse.

31.12.2025 00:29 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

This video is full of demonizing statements that aim to vilify the decades of conservation efforts enacted by reputable zoos and aquariums.

31.12.2025 00:28 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

The β€œoften” is being used as a generalization point to push an agenda.

These cheap vilifications do nothing to help elephants that are actually suffering.

31.12.2025 00:26 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Hi Pauline, Colo was not β€œimprisoned.” He lived a long and beautiful life.

31.12.2025 00:25 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Not all zoos are prisons. Painting them all with the same brush does nothing to help suffering animals.

26.12.2025 21:02 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 1

Almost all of the reasons you listed can be refuted with this:

Some zoos are doing as you claim, yes. But not all of them.

You make it black and white to push a false narrative. It makes your organization look disingenuous.

23.12.2025 03:26 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Almost all of the reasons you listed can be refuted with this:

Some zoos are doing as you claim, yes. But not all of them.

You make it black and white to push a false narrative. It makes your organization look disingenuous.

22.12.2025 21:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

No, not quite. Registering as a sanctuary is actually easier and has less requirements then an accredited zoos/aquariums.

Not all zoos are bad, nor all good. Same goes for sanctuaries as well.

22.12.2025 21:14 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 0

Depnds on the zoo or aquarium.

To the people reading these generalizations, do your own research before attending.

22.12.2025 19:41 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0