Damien W.
@thatzooguy.bsky.social
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!
Pinned
Damien W.
@thatzooguy.bsky.social
· Nov 26
The premise of my account is to advocate for GOOD zoos, because the higher ups in the field do not.
I am not against activism. As long as it’s based on genuine concerns and not general assumptions, you have my support.
Abolition is not the answer.
I am not against activism. As long as it’s based on genuine concerns and not general assumptions, you have my support.
Abolition is not the answer.
Reposted by Damien W.
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?
January 6, 2026 at 12:43 AM
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?
Reposted by Damien W.
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.
January 5, 2026 at 1:03 AM
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.
Reposted by Damien W.
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.
January 5, 2026 at 1:58 PM
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.
Reposted by Damien W.
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. 💙
January 3, 2026 at 1:37 AM
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. 💙
Reposted by Damien W.
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.
December 31, 2025 at 2:18 PM
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.
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.
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.
December 23, 2025 at 3:26 AM
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.
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.
Reposted by Damien W.
We’re proud to share that this mossy frog photo by Volunteer Photographer, Ron Bebus, was featured in the hardcopy edition of the AZA’s Connect Magazine! 📸
We’re incredibly thankful for Ron and all of our volunteer photographers who share their skills to support our mission.
We’re incredibly thankful for Ron and all of our volunteer photographers who share their skills to support our mission.
December 19, 2025 at 5:52 PM
We’re proud to share that this mossy frog photo by Volunteer Photographer, Ron Bebus, was featured in the hardcopy edition of the AZA’s Connect Magazine! 📸
We’re incredibly thankful for Ron and all of our volunteer photographers who share their skills to support our mission.
We’re incredibly thankful for Ron and all of our volunteer photographers who share their skills to support our mission.
Marc’s ability to twist narratives is now coming to BlueSky. His shenanigans are common place on twitter. Marc’s use of ChatGPT (or another similar software) and blanket statements is exactly why I made my account.
To fight back against misinformation.
To fight back against misinformation.
December 18, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Marc’s ability to twist narratives is now coming to BlueSky. His shenanigans are common place on twitter. Marc’s use of ChatGPT (or another similar software) and blanket statements is exactly why I made my account.
To fight back against misinformation.
To fight back against misinformation.
This is a cheap trick from anti-zoo ‘vegans.’ They use cheap slogans and bad apples to paint an evil depiction of ALL zoos. Which is blatantly false and misleading.
If you actually love animals, don’t support zoos. 🚫
#animals #zoos #boycottzoos #animallover #veganquote
#animals #zoos #boycottzoos #animallover #veganquote
December 17, 2025 at 11:08 PM
This is a cheap trick from anti-zoo ‘vegans.’ They use cheap slogans and bad apples to paint an evil depiction of ALL zoos. Which is blatantly false and misleading.
You know, the other day I actually considered switching to a vegan lifestyle. But then I remembered that much of the movement hates zoos and will stop at nothing to destroy decades of conservation work. I cant see myself aligning with people who want me to “go vegan” but won’t see the bigger picture
Perfect analogy. The “zoo people” often try to use conservation as an excuse for imprisoning animals but it’s self serving. If they were concerned with conservation they’d be studying animals in the wild from a distance and fighting against habitat loss. One way to fight habitat loss is to #GoVegan.
December 13, 2025 at 12:25 AM
You know, the other day I actually considered switching to a vegan lifestyle. But then I remembered that much of the movement hates zoos and will stop at nothing to destroy decades of conservation work. I cant see myself aligning with people who want me to “go vegan” but won’t see the bigger picture
Marc is known on Twitter for spreading false information about zoos and aquariums. He is prone to asking ChatGPT to generate his rebuttals and blocks anyone who catches him misleading his followers.
November 23, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Marc is known on Twitter for spreading false information about zoos and aquariums. He is prone to asking ChatGPT to generate his rebuttals and blocks anyone who catches him misleading his followers.
This is common tactic used to vilify and demean the entire profession.
In case it wasn’t obvious, this is a bad zoo. However, this is a bad representation of all zoos.
Please do your own research before visiting a zoo or aquarium.
In case it wasn’t obvious, this is a bad zoo. However, this is a bad representation of all zoos.
Please do your own research before visiting a zoo or aquarium.
November 23, 2025 at 4:59 PM
This is common tactic used to vilify and demean the entire profession.
In case it wasn’t obvious, this is a bad zoo. However, this is a bad representation of all zoos.
Please do your own research before visiting a zoo or aquarium.
In case it wasn’t obvious, this is a bad zoo. However, this is a bad representation of all zoos.
Please do your own research before visiting a zoo or aquarium.
Reposted by Damien W.
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs.
November 19, 2025 at 8:32 PM
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs.
A reminder that Jeff is an anti-zoo “activist” who is known to threaten people and live through the notoriety of Harambe the Gorilla.
His “activism” is in quotations because it is not actually advocating for anything except hatred and threats.
His “activism” is in quotations because it is not actually advocating for anything except hatred and threats.
November 20, 2025 at 2:01 AM
A reminder that Jeff is an anti-zoo “activist” who is known to threaten people and live through the notoriety of Harambe the Gorilla.
His “activism” is in quotations because it is not actually advocating for anything except hatred and threats.
His “activism” is in quotations because it is not actually advocating for anything except hatred and threats.
Reposted by Damien W.
In an era when some people are critical of zoos and aquariums, educators demonstrate their value. They can make an enormous impact on their visitors’ experience and ongoing love for zoological facilities.
#IZEday2025 #zooaquariumeducator #zoo #aquarium
#IZEday2025 #zooaquariumeducator #zoo #aquarium
November 13, 2025 at 1:43 PM
In an era when some people are critical of zoos and aquariums, educators demonstrate their value. They can make an enormous impact on their visitors’ experience and ongoing love for zoological facilities.
#IZEday2025 #zooaquariumeducator #zoo #aquarium
#IZEday2025 #zooaquariumeducator #zoo #aquarium
Reposted by Damien W.
I’ve seen zoos and conservation groups work together to rebuild entire ecosystems and even release wildlife back into their natural habitats. Not all zoos are the same, but can we please stop shaming all of them? The real issue isn’t captivity, it’s extinction.
November 10, 2025 at 4:03 PM
I’ve seen zoos and conservation groups work together to rebuild entire ecosystems and even release wildlife back into their natural habitats. Not all zoos are the same, but can we please stop shaming all of them? The real issue isn’t captivity, it’s extinction.
Reposted by Damien W.
It says a hobbyist photographer who likes wildlife, and I like wildlife in all forms whether that be in zoos or natural habitats. But to be fair Zoo's play a big part in returning in returning some of the red list species back into their original environments.
If it bothers you, just scroll on by.
If it bothers you, just scroll on by.
November 11, 2025 at 1:35 PM
It says a hobbyist photographer who likes wildlife, and I like wildlife in all forms whether that be in zoos or natural habitats. But to be fair Zoo's play a big part in returning in returning some of the red list species back into their original environments.
If it bothers you, just scroll on by.
If it bothers you, just scroll on by.
Reposted by Damien W.
China’s ‘extinct’ Pere David’s deer makes historic comeback. Once wiped out in wild, China’s milu (Pere David’s deer) staged great wildlife recovery. From 39 animals reintroduced from British zoos 1986, herd at Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve grew to >8500, part of a nationwide population >14000
October 31, 2025 at 4:29 AM
China’s ‘extinct’ Pere David’s deer makes historic comeback. Once wiped out in wild, China’s milu (Pere David’s deer) staged great wildlife recovery. From 39 animals reintroduced from British zoos 1986, herd at Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve grew to >8500, part of a nationwide population >14000
Reposted by Damien W.
I love that zoos and aquariums have just unilaterally declared all these animal-focused holidays and agreed to celebrate them together on socials. "Happy International Musk Ox Day" you too king
October 25, 2025 at 1:45 AM
I love that zoos and aquariums have just unilaterally declared all these animal-focused holidays and agreed to celebrate them together on socials. "Happy International Musk Ox Day" you too king
Reposted by Damien W.
Funny you should mention her. Dr. Goodall was actually a pretty prominent supporter of accredited zoos!
She has ties to many zoos and their conservation programs!
She has ties to many zoos and their conservation programs!
October 12, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Funny you should mention her. Dr. Goodall was actually a pretty prominent supporter of accredited zoos!
She has ties to many zoos and their conservation programs!
She has ties to many zoos and their conservation programs!
The reason I was blocked was because I did research on the subject and proved them wrong.
A reminder: Do your own research before assuming the best/worst in a zoo or aquarium.
A reminder: Do your own research before assuming the best/worst in a zoo or aquarium.
Both Green Sea Turtles at Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto are rescues. Bandit was rescued in 2021 in Georgia, U.S.
Schoona was rescued in 2005 by the Vancouver Aquarium and transferred some time in 2023.
Perhaps before assuming the worst, you should ask questions.
Not all zoos/aquariums are bad.
Schoona was rescued in 2005 by the Vancouver Aquarium and transferred some time in 2023.
Perhaps before assuming the worst, you should ask questions.
Not all zoos/aquariums are bad.
October 12, 2025 at 9:54 PM
The reason I was blocked was because I did research on the subject and proved them wrong.
A reminder: Do your own research before assuming the best/worst in a zoo or aquarium.
A reminder: Do your own research before assuming the best/worst in a zoo or aquarium.
Reposted by Damien W.
Anytime I see any “activist” talking about zoos or aquariums it’s always feelings and never facts…no science or sense just click bait and dumb sentiments that lead to nothing.
October 9, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Anytime I see any “activist” talking about zoos or aquariums it’s always feelings and never facts…no science or sense just click bait and dumb sentiments that lead to nothing.
Reposted by Damien W.
I am a proud supporter of well-run zoos and aquariums. They’re vital partners for science, conservation, and public support for both.
The Miami SeaQuarium- which was for many years home to the “world’s loneliest orca”- was a disaster.
It shuts down forever this weekend.
I won’t miss it.
The Miami SeaQuarium- which was for many years home to the “world’s loneliest orca”- was a disaster.
It shuts down forever this weekend.
I won’t miss it.
October 7, 2025 at 11:57 AM
I am a proud supporter of well-run zoos and aquariums. They’re vital partners for science, conservation, and public support for both.
The Miami SeaQuarium- which was for many years home to the “world’s loneliest orca”- was a disaster.
It shuts down forever this weekend.
I won’t miss it.
The Miami SeaQuarium- which was for many years home to the “world’s loneliest orca”- was a disaster.
It shuts down forever this weekend.
I won’t miss it.
Reposted by Damien W.
In late April, we welcomed a brand-new American Red Wolf pup to the pack! With less than 30 individuals left in the wild, this little girl is a crucial part of her species' conservation success. Luckily, she's doing well and has recently found her voice 🐺🎶🌍
October 4, 2025 at 7:01 PM
In late April, we welcomed a brand-new American Red Wolf pup to the pack! With less than 30 individuals left in the wild, this little girl is a crucial part of her species' conservation success. Luckily, she's doing well and has recently found her voice 🐺🎶🌍
Dr. Goodall was a legend in the zoological field. An inspiration to many young scientists, especially young women in the field.
She also understood the importance of accredited zoos.
May her legacy live on in all of us.
She also understood the importance of accredited zoos.
May her legacy live on in all of us.
October 1, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Dr. Goodall was a legend in the zoological field. An inspiration to many young scientists, especially young women in the field.
She also understood the importance of accredited zoos.
May her legacy live on in all of us.
She also understood the importance of accredited zoos.
May her legacy live on in all of us.