The Heritage
The Story of Zoologist Perfumes
Zoologist Perfumes is a Canadian niche fragrance house based in Toronto. The brand creates artistic perfumes named after animals, translating the idiosyncrasies of the animal kingdom into scent compositions. Founded by video game designer Victor Wong in 2013, the collection includes unusual and conceptual fragrances that range from the sweet (Hummingbird, Bee) to the animalic (Civet) to the marine (Squid). Each fragrance represents a collaboration between Wong and independent perfumers who bring their own creative vision to the animal-inspired concepts. The brand has released over 20 perfumes since its founding, with notable releases including Harvest Mouse (2023), King Cobra (2024), and Rabbit (2024). Zoologist's ethical stance is central to its identity: all products use synthetic musks rather than animal-derived ingredients.
Heritage
Victor Wong did not set out to become a perfumer. His background lies in video game design, a field he worked in before launching Zoologist Perfumes in 2013 in Toronto. The idea reportedly grew from Wong's personal interest in animalic perfume notes and a fascination with how animals perceive and produce scent. What began as a creative outlet quickly became something more serious after the brand gained traction among niche fragrance enthusiasts. Wong has described the venture as starting as a hobby that evolved organically. The brand takes its name from the animal kingdom, with each perfume bearing the name of a creature, from common animals like Rabbit and Bee to more unexpected choices like Squid, Civet, and Dragonfly. In 2016, Zoologist received notable media attention with articles in The Independent and The New York Times examining the trend of animal-themed fragrances among younger consumers. The Hindu also profiled the brand in 2017 under the feature 'Animal Instinct.' As the house expanded, Wong brought in external perfumers to compose individual fragrances, creating a collaborative model where each nose contributed their expertise to different animal concepts. This approach allowed the brand to explore diverse olfactory territories while maintaining a cohesive creative identity.
Craftsmanship
Each Zoologist fragrance is composed by an independent perfumer, many of whom maintain their own perfume houses or brands. Wong collaborates with these artisans to translate animal concepts into finished scents, though the perfumers retain creative autonomy in their compositions. This model brings diverse olfactory expertise to the line, resulting in fragrances that span multiple fragrance families and creative approaches. The production process takes place in Wong's home studio in Toronto, where the perfumer oversees final formulations. Synthetic musks feature prominently across the range, developed to provide depth and complexity while maintaining the brand's ethical standards. Ingredients are selected based on their ability to evoke the intended animal character, whether that involves honeyed sweetness for Bee, aquatic depth for Squid, or warm animalic undertones for Civet. Quality control remains internal, with each batch evaluated before release. The brand releases new fragrances periodically, with recent years seeing multiple new entries including Harvest Mouse (2023), King Cobra (2024), and Rabbit (2024).
Design Language
Zoologist's visual identity embraces the playful and slightly irreverent nature of its concept. Bottle designs vary by fragrance but share a consistent labeling approach that prominently features the animal name in clean, bold typography. The overall packaging maintains a clinical yet inviting appearance, with simple color coding helping distinguish between different scents. The brand website and marketing materials adopt an editorial tone, presenting fragrances as artistic exercises rather than conventional luxury products. This approachable aesthetic has helped Zoologist build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate both the creativity and the humor embedded in the brand. Social media presence and direct customer engagement, including the founder's participation in Reddit AMAs, reinforce a sense of accessibility and transparency. The presentation balances niche exclusivity with genuine warmth, inviting newcomers to explore the collection without intimidation.
Philosophy
Zoologist operates on the belief that animals offer endless inspiration for fragrance. Their habitats, behaviors, appearances, and even their natural smells become material for creative exploration. The brand sees animals as reflecting human qualities: their cunning, agility, and moments of warmth and playfulness. Rather than simply replicating animal scents, Zoologist uses them as conceptual anchors for olfactory stories that range from literal to abstract. The philosophy extends to ethical considerations. Zoologist explicitly avoids animal-derived musks, substituting high-quality synthetic alternatives. This position allows the brand to engage with animalic fragrance traditions without contributing to animal harm. The founding principle centers on reconnecting wearers with the natural world through scent, making the experience both artistic and conscious.
Key Milestones
2013
Victor Wong launches Zoologist Perfumes in Toronto, initially as a hobby project while working as a video game designer.
2015
Release of Hummingbird, one of the brand's earliest fragrances, featuring a sweet floral composition.
2016
Zoologist gains widespread media coverage including features in The New York Times and The Independent as animal-themed fragrances gain popularity.
2016
Release of Civet, a fragrance dedicated to the mammal with historical significance in perfumery.
2019
Launch of Squid, composed by perfumer Céline Barel, marking an expansion into marine and aquatic themes.
2023
Release of Harvest Mouse, continuing the brand's tradition of naming fragrances after animals.
At a Glance
Brand profile snapshot
Origin
Canada
Founded
2013
Heritage
13
Years active
Collection
2
Fragrances released
Avg Rating
4.0
Community sentiment
Release Rhythm