When you visit us at Westmeister Farm, you usually see the highlight reel: Lincoln the zebra trotting in the pasture, Eleanor the sloth moving at her own majestic pace, or our famous otters splashing through a yoga session. It looks like a peaceful, private paradise—and we work hard to keep it that way.
But behind that tranquility is a massive amount of “boring” paperwork, rigorous safety protocols, and a commitment to animal welfare that goes far beyond the average backyard barn. We aren’t just an animal encounter; we are a USDA-licensed and ZDR3-certified facility.
If those acronyms sound like alphabet soup, let’s pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to earn those credentials—and why they matter for the animals you love.
What is ZDR3? (And No, It’s Not a Robot)
ZDR3 stands for Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery. It is the only organization in the United States dedicated specifically to helping zoological facilities when disaster strikes.
In Ohio, we deal with everything from sudden summer derechos to winter blizzards. For a facility housing exotic species, a power outage or a fallen tree isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a potential crisis. Being ZDR3 certified means we aren’t just “hoping for the best.” We are part of a massive, professional mutual-aid network.
The “Must-Haves” for Certification
Earning these credentials isn’t just about paying a fee (in fact, joining the ZDR3 network is about commitment, not cash). It requires a level of professional readiness that separates legitimate facilities from “roadside attractions.”
| Requirement | What It Actually Means |
| USDA Licensing | Regular, unannounced inspections by the federal government to ensure we meet strict standards for housing, sanitation, and veterinary care. |
| Signed MOU | A formal Memorandum of Understanding with ZDR3, agreeing to support other facilities and documenting our own emergency resources. |
| Contingency Planning | A comprehensive, written disaster plan that outlines exactly how we protect our animals during fires, floods, or structural damage. |
| Specialized Training | Having staff who understand exotic animal behavior—because you can’t exactly lead a zebra into a trailer the same way you’d lead a golden retriever. |
Why We Chose This Path
You might wonder why we go through the extra hoops. After all, we were already Ohio’s first USDA-approved facility for swimming with otters. Why add more layers of oversight?
- Animal Safety is Non-Negotiable: If a tornado touches down in Shelby, our animals can’t call for help. Being part of ZDR3 means that if we are ever overwhelmed, a literal “army” of trained zoological professionals is ready to deploy and help us recover.
- The “Stronger Together” Mentality: We aren’t an island. By being certified, we also commit to helping other facilities. If a sanctuary in a neighboring county loses its fencing, we are part of the team that helps them secure their animals.
- Guest Peace of Mind: When you book a private tour, you deserve to know that the animals you are meeting are cared for with the highest level of professional integrity.
Note: Being a “private” facility means our animals experience less stress from crowds and noise. This ZDR3 certification is the invisible safety net that keeps that quiet environment secure.
More Than Just a Badge
To us, being ZDR3 certified in Ohio is a badge of honor. It means we’ve put in the hours of training, the nights of planning, and the investment in infrastructure to ensure our “farm family” is safe no matter what the Ohio weather throws at us.
The next time you’re watching an otter paint a masterpiece or sharing a quiet moment with a capybara, know that there is a world-class safety network standing right behind them.
Want to see our “farm family” in person? Our private tours fill up fast! Since we limit the number of guests to keep things low stress for the animals, we recommend booking your 2026 dates early.