How Your Compassion Reached Across Borders

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact across Jamaica, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your compassion, generosity, and trust in ZDR3. The response from our network was extraordinary. Together, ZDR3 supporters contributed over $8,700, and every dollar was allocated entirely to impacted facilities. Your contributions made a tangible difference in a complex and challenging response environment.



Beyond financial support, members of our network shared critical insights and facilitated introductions. They helped us understand the rapidly changing conditions on the ground, proving that compassion and expertise truly transcend borders.

The Impact of Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa brought catastrophic damage to communities and animal facilities across the island. The storm flooded Jamaica’s leading animal feed distributor, disrupting already fragile supply chains and driving up the cost and scarcity of feed and produce. One facility lost much of its exterior housing and access to water after its well pump failed, requiring urgent repairs to meet the most basic animal care needs. 

When disasters strike island nations, the challenges multiply: transportation slows, goods become scarce, and prices for essential supplies can spike for months or even years. Yet amid this, the knowledge that others care, that people from afar are paying attention, becomes one of the most powerful forms of relief.

Why ZDR3 Engaged

Although ZDR3’s operational scope remains within the United States, we were directly contacted by partners and colleagues in the region requesting assistance. Given that the U.S. is a primary source of goods and aid to Jamaica, it was clear that our support, both informational and financial, could make a meaningful difference.



This engagement was not a new pivot for ZDR3, but rather a unique act of solidarity in the face of catastrophic circumstances. The relatively quiet 2025 response cycle meant our organization and network had the capacity and resources to step forward in support of our zoological colleagues abroad.

ZDR3's Role and Actions

• Monitored the storm’s approach and compiled situational awareness of impacted zoological facilities.
•  Collaborated with U.S.-based entities supporting Jamaica’s zoos, sharing information from coordinated calls and networks.
• Consolidated intelligence to identify where resources were most needed—both immediate and long-term.
• Communicated directly and indirectly with impacted facilities to verify needs and confirm resource distribution strategies.
•  Identified a secure funding pathway for a facility lacking online fundraising capacity, ensuring financial support was hand-delivered to staff on-site.
• Provided support to one facility, leading efforts to reach the most heavily impacted regions, ensuring material supplies could reach zoological and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Funds directed to this effort were used to procure essential items locally, helping restore care capacity and sustain ongoing relief operations.
• Supported recovery efforts to Jamaica’s native wildlife, with ZDR3 assistance directed to facilities caring for injured and displaced animals struggling to find food and shelter after widespread habitat loss. This support helped ensure that rehabilitation teams could maintain sustainable care during a critical recovery period.

Our Shared Impact



While this was not a standard response, it embodied the spirit of collaboration, care, and readiness that defines ZDR3’s mission. Your generosity and trust allowed us to extend that spirit to our colleagues facing extraordinary circumstances. On behalf of the people and animals your donations helped—and the entire ZDR3 team—thank you.

We are Stronger Together