Zoos and aquariums need a wide variety of zoo and aquarium equipment because each animal has its own specific needs that may require special equipment. In order to be a successful aquarium and zoo supply company, you need to anticipate the needs of every animal housed in the aquarium or zoo.

In order to meet the needs of your customers, you should have basic zoo and aquarium equipment available in your store. In addition to this, you should think about offering special order options for customers who have specific needs. Consider these suggestions when ordering your supplies:

1. Meet the medical needs of inhabitants by offering veterinary supplies and equipment for zoos and aquariums.

2. Provide a good selection of marine aquarium supplies and other filtration equipment.

3. Offer safety equipment for zoos and aquariums.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Supply veterinary zoo equipment

Animals in zoos and aquariums need veterinary care. Providing the veterinary supplies for regular preventative care, treatment of illnesses and reproduction allows you to be a one-stop shop for these supplies. You should stock a wide variety of sizes and types of equipment for zoos because of the vast range of animals in zoos. Keep in mind that most of these items need to sterile or able to be sterilized. Because of this, it is important that you order these supplies from a reputable company.

I recommend: Apex Equipment offers a full line of veterinary equipment including surgery and exam tables, scales, warming systems and anesthesia systems. This company offers both new and pre owned equipment. Most products, including pre owned, have a warranty. DRE Veterinary sells basic veterinary equipment and specialized medical equipment, including vital signs monitors, anesthesia, dental supplies and other animal care equipment for zoos.

Provide a variety of filtration equipment for zoos

Many animals housed in zoos and all animals housed in aquariums need filtration. Large cats and primates, for example, need the water source in their cages filtered to mimic the water in the wild. Finding an aquarium supply company that has a varied selection of filtration equipment allows you to purchase the filters and filtration equipment for zoos and aquariums.

I recommend: Aquatic Eco-Systems sells commercial aquarium equipment including freshwater and saltwater aquarium supplies. This company offers filtration systems, chillers and lighting systems for use in commercial aquarium systems. That Fish Place/That Pet Place has a large selection of large external and internal filters for any size tank or pond.

Provide protective equipment for zoos and aquariums

Working with animals can be dangerous. Providing a full selection of protective gear for your customers, including tongs, hooks and snare poles for capturing and feeding animals, allows you to accommodate the needs of any customer coming to you for safety equipment. You should consider selling protective clothing for zoos and aquariums to use when working with sick or immunologically deficient animals.

I recommend: Midwest Tongs has zoo and aquarium equipment for safely handling and feeding the animals. This company has hooks, tongs and snare poles at wholesale prices. It also has personal safety equipment for zoo personnel such as protective gloves and hoods. Gempler’s offers numerous personal safety items for use by zoo personnel. It has full disposable protective suits to help protect both personnel and animals from spreading illness from animal to animal. Most of these suits are waterproof, making these suitable for zoo and aquarium use.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because of the size of some of the zoo and aquarium equipment, you may want to take pictures of the equipment to show customers. You can then store the items instead of trying to display them.