A friend of mine recommended Tattoo Zoo to me before I turned eighteen. I booked in with an artist who is no longer with Tattoo Zoo after I had graduated from school. My first experience with the shop was wonderful. Clean, comfortable, friendly staff. Being a nervous eighteen year old girl I was really comfortable. My second tattoo, same thing, wonderful, friendly. No judgement on what I wanted. Since then I have been tattooed by Mason, Tami, and Caroline. All of whom I love for their different styles. Everyone at Tattoo Zoo is incredibly talented and detail oriented. The aftercare they recommend is brilliant as well. They don't tell you specifics just to hear themselves speak. They want your tattoos to look good, they're proud of their work. After following aftercare and always applying sunscreen my tattoos look fantastic. I'm happy and proud every time I look at them. People always compliment and ask about them and I love to tell them that they're done at Tattoo Zoo. TZ is always my number one recommendation and it's awesome to see my friends get rad tattoos done by the fine folks at Tattoo Zoo. Keep up the good work guys! read more

My husband and I went to tattoozoo as two tourists looking for some awesome octopus tattoos, and I could not be more happy with the outcome. My husband had the privilege of working with Tami, and I was lucky enough to work with Gerry. We are both fairly covered in tattoos and what we got done at Tattoozoo is probably some of the best work we personally have and seen. Tami tattooed half of my husbands head in under 5 hours and Gerry did a pretty big spot in only three hours. The colour is exceptional, the line work is perfect and the overall picture is actually amazing. Gerry told me the risks of getting me "ditch" done and made sure I understood the healing process of a tough spot. Anyone on here who leaves a negative review probably does not understand the art of tattooing, did not listen to the artists, or take care of it properly. If you ask for a tattoo on a difficult spot, and you don't take the advice of the artist, it's on you. Either way, we are so happy and will be travelling from edmonton to get more work done at Tattoozoo. read more

I can't believe there aren't more reviews for Tattoo Zoo on here! I went there about three years ago to support a friend who was booking her first tattoo appointment. I had played around with the idea of getting one for a long time- I even had the design and lettering picked out- and after seeing how thorough, professional, and clean they were I as sold: this was the place I wanted to do my tattoo. I went with her to the appointment and brought my design with me. They booked me in for a few days later and went through everything I should do before hand ( have a big breakfast, make sure the area is clean etc.) I came back for my tattoo and the artist, a different one from the one my friend had, showed me what he had drawn - and I loved it. He talked to me throughout the process even though I had my friend with me. Three years later I still love my tattoo and the work he had done. If I ever get a second tattoo it will definitely be at the Tattoo Zoo! read more

Got my latest tattoo yesterday (12/21/13) with my brother and sister - group tattoos, yay! I've gotten all four of my tattoos from three different artists at Tattoo Zoo and I keep coming back. I like the shop itself - clean, well lit, relaxed, welcoming. I've checked out other shops in town and have felt really intimidated by the atmosphere, but not here. There's always a talented group working there - like I said, I've gone to three artists there (two of them have moved on to another shop, though) and I have zero complaints about any of them. Both of my siblings, who had gotten their first tattoos yesterday, have expressed a desire to come back one day, and are already talking about further designs planned! I have a few more pieces in mind, plus flipping through the "Wannado" book gave me a few ideas. I will definitely be coming back for any further tattoo needs! read more

I'm really really surprised to see any bad reviews here. Gerry redid my first tattoo for me that someone else had done a poor job on. Every single one of my tattoos since have been done by him or his apprentice Chris. I love them all, they are perfect. My father and I got matching tattoos from him, and his work is always impeccable. I am a bit skittish around needles, and Gerry is so good at calming me down and keeping me talking and making the experience very enjoyable. I wouldn't think of getting tattooed by anyone else. The shop is always super clean, and everyone is always so friendly. I love this place! My sister in law and brother in law both have huge pieces he did (he has two sleeves and she has a back piece) and they are gorgeous as well. He is a true artist, and his work is stunning. read more

I started getting tattooed by Gerry 6 and a half years ago and have consistently gone back ever since. I have been tattooed by almost every artist that has ever worked there, as well as at several other top tattoo shops in Seattle, San Diego and New York City. You will not find a more clean run shop anywhere. Everybody enjoys their job and want to help you. The tattooers excel at taking your idea and making it into an aesthetically pleasing tattoo that will stand the test of time. Touch ups are always free if needed. Price is fair and often available before you commit to getting tattooed (depending on the size of your tattoo). You would be hard pressed to find a more pleasant place to get a tattoo that is timeless as the ages and as modern as tomorrow like at the Tattoo Zoo. read more

I just got my first tattoo ever done today by Caroline Paquet. I brought in a picture of a spaceship tattoo from google images and told her that I wanted something similar to it. She did a sketch and said that it looks more like a hamburger than a UFO (she was very right, btw), so she made 3-5 different sketches with different ideas that she had come up with, and I couldn't have been happier. I ended up with an excellent tattoo (better than I imagined) due to her incredible talent and genuine passion toward making her customers as satisfied as possible. Also, the environment was perfect- great music playing, lots of jokes, friendly conversation, and a nice, clean layout. Definitely will be coming back. Thank you to Caroline and everybody at the Zoo! read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Tattoo Zoo. Amazing stuff happens there. I've been tattooed at over a dozen different shops and the level of awesome I found a this shop is tops. The space is clean and professional and each artist brings something unique. Everyone was super friendly and helpful and genuine. There is a high level of respect shared between Gerry and his staff which makes everyone super happy to be working there and that alone makes a huge difference. I have been tattooed by Tami Tattoos 7-8 times now and look forward to more. I also like that the shop is always hosting guest artists from all over the world which keeps the creative energy going. I'm a fan and will continue to get tattoos there. read more

My wife and I have been clients of Tattoo Zoo since 2008. I have been tattooed by several artists there and have always gone back for more. I get Gerry to do most of my work these days as he is a great artist who gets excited about the work you're getting and is great to bounce ideas off of when coming up with a new piece. All of the artists there are friendly, courteous, and professional. Nova at the front counter is always friendly and helpful. I have two full sleeves and a belly rocker that have been done there as well as a couple of smaller pieces. I recommend this shop to anyone who is looking for a great tattoo by some top notch artists. It's worth the trip from the mainland! read more

I love tattoo zoo! I have gotten 2 tattoos from Gerry Kramer in the past and today I am going back to get my next tattoo from Nicole Nowicki and I love the whole tattoo zoo team! I only ever had a single issue from them and talking to Gerry about it completely resolved the situation in the exact way that I wanted to resolve it. The issue was essentially a miscommunication regarding a flash/wannado tattoo from one of the artists in the shop. I emailed Gerry to see what was going on and he explained the situation as best he understood it and let me transfer my deposit to another artist in the shop. I love these guys and will continue to get tattooed here in the future. read more

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Tattoo Zoo, the facility and the artistic team. The place itself is inviting, extremely clean, and comfortable. Gerry Kramer made a 40th birthday dream come true by taking a collection of my loose ideas for a tattoo including art nouveau, faeries, leaves and the wind, and wove them into a stunning tattoo, art nouveau style, scrolling down my calf and across my foot, full of magic, and colour. The large tattoo was done in two session, and healed brilliantly. I have encouraged many people to check out Tattoo Zoo when looking for an artist. Any one of the team can create something special for you. read more

During an excellent weekend in Victoria (which is almost as lovely as Gerry himself) I had the ultimate pleasure of getting a tattoo at The Zoo by Gerry. Contrary to my first tattoo in Winnipeg, it was completely easy going. His spontaneous art piece (because I arrived unprepared) was amazing. He was calm and made me feel at ease. And the end result was a tattoo that I loved so dearly it made me weepy. I can confidently say that although I live in the prairies, I will fly across the country again for more of his art. It healed up with no issue and is vibrant and gorgeous. Thank you Gerry. So very very much. read more

If I could give more than 5 stars I would!!! Gerry and the crew are amazing. Gerry's work and art is incredible, he has now done most of my sleeve with a Japanese themed Dragon and Tiger and it is by far my favorite tattoo and the best work I've seen! He has covered some hideous previous work that were both not only bad tattoos but also just very bad decisions on my part. I did not give Gerry a very easy task in this one and he has knocked it out of the park. All he had to work with was a vague idea of what I like and full creative freedom and he has far exceeded my expectations! Thanks again! Jason read more

It was our first time to Tattoo Zoo, I was looking for a coverup on an old tattoo on my finger that I just hated!! We walked in to see if someone could help us, no problem we came back couple hours later. Gerry did an excellent job on my coverup that no one else would touch!!! I had my finger covered & another tattoo they look wonderful!!! My husband had our daughter's name on his arm and the lines are clean and we love our tattoos. Thanks SO much Gerry, I don't have to be embarrassed about my finger anymore!! We will see you again!!! read more

Mr. Gerry Kramer did my second ever tattoo a few years ago. I was young and somewhat naive and Gerry was extremely professional, reassuring, and honest about what he thought would work. The shop was clean and the other staff made me feel quite at ease. It was lovely that the crew accommodated my walk in (I recall that is was also very close to Christmas). I no longer live on the island, but if I were to go back to Victoria I would definitely consider paying Gerry another visit! read more

A truly great tattoo specialty shop from the bottom up. All the artists are super friendly and helpful, and they give a damn about making sure you leave happy. As far as cleanliness goes they are top notch (as someone terminally worried about blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases I am very particular) and care very deeply about client health and safety. This is where I get all my tattoo work done in town! read more

Had an old simple tattoo that I tried to add to and the result was a bone ugly tattoo (Won't name who failed to advise me on that but it wasn't Tattoo Zoo). After a few years finally decided to deal with it. Connected with Gerry and he was invaluable in giving me ideas that would cover this. Settled on a portrait of my black lab. The end result is beautiful and this time around I'll take this one to my grave. read more

I had been dreaming of going to this store in the near future, once I could save enough money to ask Geri for a big cover-up of my old tattoo from another place. Then I saw what was happening, so I decided to just go to the store now and have a small piece done with the money I have. I'm 100% satisfied with the young artist's work. I recommend other queers like me go to the store now. read more

I came back to Gerry and left with another strikingly colorful and beautifully drawn tattoo! I tell everyone they have to come by. I've regretted it immensely the two times I've gone elsewhere, and I won't make that mistake again. Both my tattoos healed wonderfully and I look forward to hopefully coming by on Halloween! read more