Collection: Zoologist

Overview
Zoologist is a Canadian niche perfume house founded by Victor Wong in 2013. From the outset, the brand distinguished itself with a highly creative concept: each fragrance is inspired by a particular animal, aiming to evoke its habitat and character through scent. Unlike many mainstream perfume houses that aim for mass appeal, Zoologist embraces an artistic, conceptual style that often pushes the boundaries of traditional perfumery. By collaborating with a roster of talented independent perfumers worldwide, Zoologist has earned a devoted following among fragrance connoisseurs who appreciate unusual, story-driven compositions.

Below is a comprehensive review of Zoologist’s ethos, style, notable scents, packaging, performance, and overall impact in the perfume community.

1. Brand Background & Philosophy

1. Founding & Vision

   • Victor Wong, the brand’s founder and creative director, launched Zoologist with the goal of making perfumes that celebrate the wonders of the animal kingdom.
   • Each scent focuses on capturing an animal’s essence—its environment, diet, behaviors, or cultural perceptions—rather than its literal smell (i.e., no harsh “zoo” or “barnyard” notes purely for shock value).

2. Collaboration with Independent Perfumers

   • Zoologist teams up with numerous perfumers from around the globe, each bringing a unique style and expertise.
   • Notable collaborators have included Ellen Covey (Olympic Orchids), Sarah McCartney (4160 Tuesdays), Prin Lomros (Strangers Parfumerie/Prissana), Sven Pritzkoleit (SP Parfums), and more.

3. Artisanal & Conceptual Approach

   • The brand’s focus on creativity and storytelling makes each release more than just a “pleasant smell.” It’s a deep dive into the animal’s imagined world.
   • The fragrances can be adventurous and at times challenging, designed to spark curiosity and conversation.

2. Packaging & Aesthetic

1. Animal Artwork

   • Each Zoologist bottle features a beautifully illustrated anthropomorphic portrait of the animal—dressed in a style that hints at the fragrance’s character.
   • These unique illustrations and thoughtful detailing on the label contribute to the collectible appeal of the bottles.

2. Refined Bottle Design

   • Despite the whimsical concept, the overall packaging remains elegant. The brand uses sleek, cylindrical bottles (in the newer format) with polished caps, giving them a refined presence on a shelf.
   • In some earlier editions, the bottle shape was slightly different, but the brand has since standardized its packaging for consistency and brand recognition.

3. Complete Storytelling

   • Each fragrance is accompanied by a story or a short description on the Zoologist website, explaining the inspiration and notes. This narrative aspect draws fragrance lovers into a rich imaginative world.

3. Fragrance Style & Profile

3.1 Range of Creative Expressions

• Nature & Habitat

  • Zoologist fragrances often incorporate naturalistic accords—earth, damp soil, leaves, floral nectars, resins, watery notes—to emulate an animal’s environment.
  • For example, Bat (originally composed by Ellen Covey) famously conjured a damp cave aroma with soil tinctures and mineral notes, capturing the essence of a bat’s roost.

• Evocative Yet Wearable

  • While some Zoologist perfumes can feel avant-garde or initially challenging, many become surprisingly wearable as they develop on skin. They’re typically anchored by well-blended accords of musks, woods, spices, and florals.

• Synthetic Musks & Cruelty-Free Ingredients

  • True to the theme of celebrating animals (rather than exploiting them), Zoologist does not use animal-derived musks or other ingredients that involve harming animals. They rely on synthetic and plant-based musks, plus ethically sourced naturals.

3.2 Signature Hallmarks

• Multi-Faceted Blends
  • Zoologist fragrances often feature a large, complex pyramid. Perfumers layer an array of notes that evolve significantly over time, inviting the wearer to follow the scent’s journey.
• Impressionistic Approach
  • The compositions aim to paint an olfactory portrait of an environment—forests, jungles, lakes, caves—rather than simply focusing on one central note or accord.

4. Notable Fragrances

Zoologist has released a wide range of perfumes, some of which have been discontinued or reformulated, while others remain current fan favorites. Below are a few standout examples:

1. Bat (Original & New Bat)

   • Original Bat (2016): Created by Ellen Covey, it became an instant cult classic for its damp, mineralic earthiness, fruity guano accord (banana-like facets), and sense of a cave environment. It was discontinued in 2019.
   • New Bat (2020): Reformulated by Prin Lomros, the new version still references an earthy, cave-like setting but features a sweeter, fruit-forward tone with fig, tropical nuances, and a resinous base.

2. Beaver

   • Evokes a forest-lake habitat with watery, woody, and slightly musky tones. It opens with a clean aquatic feel, then transitions into a cozy, soft wood and amber base—reflecting the idea of a beaver lodge and fresh water.

3. Panda

   • One of the house’s earliest offerings, capturing a lush, humid bamboo forest. It showcases green notes, tea, and florals combined with an earthy undercurrent. The result is a bright yet earthy fragrance reminiscent of Chinese bamboo groves.

4. Hummingbird

   • A floral-gourmand style, showcasing nectars, honeysuckle, and fruity facets that mimic the sugary sweetness of flowers visited by hummingbirds. It retains a light, airy vibe but is quite rich underneath.

5. Elephant

   • Introduces a warm, spicy, and slightly green composition with notes of peanut, coconut, and woody accords. It aims to convey the dusty savannah environment where elephants roam, balanced by soft, comforting elements.

6. Moth

   • A dark, smoky, honeyed creation referencing the fluttering of wings in a candlelit night. Notes of saffron, oud-like smoke, and sweet honey swirl together, creating a mysterious, incense-laden aura.

7. Bee

   • Rich, cozy honey fragrance loaded with beeswax, royal jelly accord, orange blossom, and a subtle pollen dustiness. It’s one of the more gourmand, sweet offerings in the line and highly praised for its comforting warmth.

8. Civet

   • Boldly features aromatic spices, resins, coffee, and synthetic civet notes. Although it nods to vintage-style animalic scents, it’s balanced by ambery sweetness and florals, showcasing a refined, old-world charm.

5. Performance & Wearability

1. Longevity

   • Most Zoologist fragrances come in Eau de Parfum concentration (around 20% perfume oil or higher), providing considerable longevity. Expect 6–10 hours or more on skin, depending on individual chemistry.

2. Projection & Sillage

   • Projection varies by composition—some are more enveloping (e.g., Bee, Moth) while others might be moderate (Beaver). In general, Zoologist scents are noticeable but not always “beast mode”; they typically balance presence with subtlety.

3. Wearability Spectrum

   • Some offerings (Hummingbird, Beaver) are friendlier for everyday or office wear. Others (Civet, Moth, Bat) can be more niche or conceptual, better suited for cooler weather or adventurous fragrance lovers comfortable with bolder scents.

6. Price Point & Accessibility

1. Niche-Level Pricing

   • Zoologist fragrances typically range from about USD $145–$175 for a 60 ml bottle (prices may vary over time). Discovery sets and travel sprays are also available, allowing fragrance fans to sample multiple scents before investing in full bottles.

2. Availability

   • The brand sells directly through its website and select niche perfume boutiques worldwide. Online retailers specializing in artisanal perfumes also stock Zoologist.

3. Sampling Highly Recommended

   • Given the conceptual nature and complexity of these scents, many recommend trying samples or discovery sets first. Zoologist encourages experimentation, offering smaller spray vials so you can explore each animal-themed world before committing.

7. Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Innovative Concepts

   • Zoologist’s mission to capture the essence of an animal’s habitat sets it apart in the niche market. Perfume enthusiasts who crave originality are often drawn to the brand.

2. Quality Ingredients & Skilled Perfumers

   • Collaborations with respected independent perfumers ensure that the compositions are both well-crafted and distinctive.

3. Striking Presentation

   • The whimsical yet elegant bottle art makes Zoologist fragrances visually appealing and collector-friendly.

4. Cruelty-Free Ethos

   • Avoiding real animal products aligns with many modern consumers’ ethical preferences.

Cons

1. Experimental Scents May Be Challenging

   • Some of Zoologist’s creations can be polarizing. If you’re new to niche perfumery or prefer safe, mainstream compositions, certain releases (e.g., Civet, Bat, Moth) might be too avant-garde.

2. Moderate to High Pricing

   • Priced firmly in the niche segment, Zoologist scents can feel expensive for those on a budget—though they are still more affordable than some ultra-luxury lines.

3. Limited Distribution

   • While the brand continues to expand, you may need to rely on online sampling or travel to specialized perfumeries in major cities.

8. Overall Impression

Zoologist is a standout niche perfume house for anyone seeking artistic, story-driven fragrances that go beyond conventional boundaries. From the swampy darkness of Bat to the sweet pollen-laden florals of Bee, each perfume paints a vivid olfactory landscape tied to an animal’s world. Despite the sometimes daring compositions, many Zoologist offerings balance conceptual intrigue with a wearable elegance—though the brand doesn’t shy away from truly experimental territory.

In an industry where “safe” and “commercial” often dominate, Zoologist’s dedication to creativity, craftsmanship, and ethical sourcing resonates with perfume aficionados. Whether you’re a collector of unique niche scents or simply intrigued by the idea of exploring nature through scent, Zoologist is an adventurous and worthwhile house to discover. For those ready to step off the beaten path and embrace a more imaginative fragrance experience, Zoologist provides a remarkable journey—one animal at a time.