The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
The Dodo takes its name from an extinct bird native to Mauritius, a creature so unhurried it forgot how to fly. Joseph DeLapp composed this fragrance in 2019, channeling the paradox at the heart of the Dodo's story: paradise bred complacency, and complacency eventually won. The composition mirrors that arc, starting lush and carefree before settling into something more complex.
What makes Dodo interesting is its structural honesty. The fougère base, fern, oakmoss, amber, provides the classic masculine backbone, but DeLapp interrupts it with fruity litchi and raspberry, creating an almost playful sweetness. Then the ambergris surfaces in the heart, that salty animalic note that reminds you the Dodo was a real creature, not a cartoon. The composition doesn't shy away from its own contradictions.
The evolution
The opening hits bright and green. Lime sparks against fern, raspberry adds quick sweetness, and for about twenty minutes the fragrance reads like a tropical morning, dewy, fruity, approachable. Then the ambergris arrives. Not aggressive, but present. A salty, animalic note that shifts the tone from charming to interesting. The geranium and rose hold the middle ground, keeping the green-spicy structure intact while the woody base slowly builds underneath. By the second hour, oakmoss and sandalwood have taken over, with patchouli adding earthiness and amber warmth. The drydown is quiet, mossy, with a faint animalic memory that lingers like a secret.
Cultural impact
Dodo has an unconventional structure that generates conversation among niche fragrance collectors. The ambergris note stands out, prompting discussion about its daring character. The fragrance takes the story of an extinct bird and transforms it into a scent that refuses to play it safe.
The House
Zoologist PerfumesZoologist 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.
The Creator
Joseph DeLappNatural perfumery defines DeLapp's signature. His fragrances lean toward complexity, depth, and exceptional longevity—qualities achieved through rare, high-quality materials selected with exacting care.
