The Zoo
Nobody built this place. It just showed up.
W
illy Swamp Safari is a wild, independent adult animated comedy, set in a fictional zoo, hidden deep within the Big Cypress Swamp—on land no GPS can locate, and where most zookeepers don’t last long.
Founded who-knows-when by who-knows-who, this zoo is home to an ever-changing mix of living animals, extinct species, and mythical beasts—all trying to coexist in a place where no one seems fully in charge. The show follows a dysfunctional cast of residents doing their best (and often their worst) to keep the park running.
"A surreal mix of Florida wildlife, cryptid encounters, and stoner-zoology satire."
The ones causing most of the trouble...
Four residents, zero supervision.
Gimbo
Kumquat
Jeff Raffe
W. Lowland Gorilla
5'1"
Golden Lion Marmoset
0'1"
Kordofan Giraffe
6'4"
CHAOS RATING
Gimbo is a temperamental, but lovable, gorilla with a short fuse and a big heart. He struggles to work with others, but deep down, he means well. Obsessed with winning over Florence the Flamingo (who is not interested), Gimbo constantly finds himself in embarrassing, often destructive situations. Despite his flaws, Gimbo is the heart and soul of the zoo.
CHAOS RATING
Kumquat is Gimbo’s cheerful little brother and constant shadow, radiating kindness, optimism, and just a hint of danger. Loved by guests and staff alike. He smooths over Gimbo’s messes with a smile and a hug. Beneath the sweetness, however, lies a wildly mischievous mind, always plotting something fun, questionable, or both. Loyal to a fault and happily unhinged, Kumquat may look harmless, but he’s often the one pulling the strings.
CHAOS RATING
Jeff Raffe is the zoo’s absent minded Kingpin and former powerful Budomon dealer, whose brilliance is only matched by how easily distracted he is. Perpetually high and wildly underprepared, his experiments, advice, or budomon almost always make things worse. When teamed up with Kumquat, things become especially dangerous, usually while insisting everything is completely under control.
Akhlut
Kak-Whan-U-Ghat Kig-U-Lu’-Nik
5"1'
CHAOS RATING
Akhlut is Gimbo’s pet and a very good girl. A mysterious half killer whale, half pit bull, she is fiercely loyal and deeply protective of her family. Akhlut follows Gimbo and Kumquat on most adventures, often serving as transportation when Kumquat gets tired.
E.N. Hagedorn
E.N. Hagedorn
CREATOR / DIRECTOR / CHIEF ZOOKEEPER
field notes
Built by one guy with a lot of caffeine.
Hello and welcome to my zoo. I’m E.N. Hagedorn — self-taught animator, cartoonist, and creator of Willy Swamp Safari. I grew up surrounded by animals—between the Everglades, zoos, and life on a farm—so it’s no surprise my first “films” were homemade Steve-Irwin-style animal documentaries.
I originally went to school with dreams of becoming a veterinarian, but my obsession with storytelling and animation eventually took over. For the past four-plus years, I’ve been hand-drawing, animating, and building this cartoon world from the ground up.
"Every background, every frame, every swamp creature—made by one guy with a lot of caffeine, a few good friends, and way too much Everglades inspiration."
This project is completely independent and made with genuine love (and occasional madness). If you enjoy the show, you can help keep the zoo’s gates open by buying merch, subscribing, or spreading the word. Every bit of support helps this indie zoo survive another chaotic season.
Park Map
This cartoon entertainment project is completely independent and made with genuine love (and occasional madness).
If you enjoy Willy Swamp Safari, please help keep the zoo’s gates open by buying merch, sponsoring, or donating and receiving "thank you" merch, subscribing, or assist by spreading the word.
Every bit of your much appreciated support helps Willy Swamp Safari survive another chaotic season.
