The symbol above is called a zeta (ZAY-tuh). It is the lowercase version of the Greek letter of that name, and over many centuries developed into the letter Z in most Western languages. As such, it was adopted by the zoo community as a symbol of our lifestyle, similar to the pink triangle used in the gay community.

The use of the zeta is not very old, but it has changed dramatically since its introduction, which was sometime late in 1994. The details of the first usage are somewhat vague. Originally, the zeta was to be used very much like the pink triangle was in its early days. Namely, a means of recognition that only those "in the know" would understand. This approach lasted for two to three years. Then, zoos began to use it more as a symbol of pride than of recognition, and so now it can be seen on almost every zoo-friendly site on the web.

There are a few varieties of the zeta. The image above is taken from a pin that was available for some time. There is also a rainbow version, which like other rainbow shapes, denotes tolerance and acceptance in general. There is also a rapidly-growing vareity of graphical variations to be seen on the net.

My personal take on the use of the zeta: I suppose it was inevitable that the first symbol anyone could agree on would become the first symbol of pride. I also don't see anything wrong with that. However, I am concerned by two things. First, with the wide use of the zeta, there is no longer a "safe" mode of recognition. I have a zeta pin and used to wear it in public, but have not done so for a couple of years. I would not mind if my fellow zoos recognized me, but zoo is not a safe thing to be in our society yet. I would not want everyone knowing I'm zoo, and I know of very few zoos who would. I think we need something new, but with the anti-zoo forces and their efforts of late, disseminating the information with any secrecy would be very difficult. Hopefully, things will improve one day. The second concern is that the zeta may be used a little too widely, i.e., by the bestialists or animal rapists. The pink triangle has fared pretty well in not falling into such a reputation, and if the zeta is to be our symbol of pride, I hope it will remain a symbol of loving, caring relationships and not of some sexual kink. I encourage all zoos to work dilligently to make sure that we can always be proud of that symbol.

This article was written in the interest of education. I hope it has proven helpful.