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How did you learn about ZooKeeper?
Tim purchased a ZooKeeper to hunt lionfish and other catches, and to collect debris while practicing scuba safety.
How did you come to be involved with ZooKeeper?
I became involved when Tim purchased the company in July 2021. I had been working full-time in HR at Home Depot. ZooKeeper needed someone dedicated to marketing and website maintenance, so I left that position to teach myself how to manage the site and all of our social media.
How do you compare the ZooKeeper to other containment units?
The others are a sincere effort, and I would never criticize anyone for choosing a different product—we all share the same goal of eradicating lionfish. That said, units that try to copy the ZooKeeper design don’t contain the fish as reliably. When you push down, lionfish can slip past the flap and potentially poke you. They also create more drag while diving and are harder to empty when you’re finished.
What’s your favorite ZooKeeper product to use?
My mini 10″ ZooKeeper. It’s not too small to hold a couple of monster lionfish along with smaller ones or some debris. I ZooK-strap it to my BCD so I’m hands-free and it’s always with me. I’ve dived a few times without it and don’t feel complete. Every dive is a lionfish hunt unless I’m in a place like the Maldives where they aren’t invasive. Even then there’s still debris to remove, so I could take it anywhere in the world. Always stay involved in cleaning up our oceans.
Can the ZooKeeper be used for anything other than lionfish?
Yes. I put anything in it that needs to come back to the boat, as long as it fits—or even if it doesn’t quite fit, like a big lobster hanging out. I’ve used it for fishing line, hooks, knives, dive masks, lead weights, balloons, straws, bags, and all kinds of debris.
What does conservation mean to you, and how do you make a difference personally?
Conservation means taking care of our oceans. If the oceans have problems, the planet suffers. In my opinion that includes:
- Don’t litter
- Help control lionfish and other invasive species
- Pick up debris
- Promote and participate in cleanups
- Support more marine protected areas
- Responsible fishing regulations
- Protect reefs
- Mind your carbon footprint
- Choose sustainable seafood
- Use fewer single-use items
- Support organizations with the same goals
There are many ways to help. I hope more people will do whatever they can to support conservation the way we do.
