You can use PanResponder to make it work. You can use the React Native Gestures module if you want. This module is using PanResponder .
If the animations which you need is standard animations, then going with the native implementation will be better. If you just want normal Pinch to Zoom effect, You can go with React Native Photo View. This module is using PhotoDraweeView for Android and MWPhotoBrowser for iOS. This module can give you buttery smooth animations.