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DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY

EIN 38-6027356 ROYAL OAK, MI

Revenue 2024
$64,149,877
Expenses 2024
$67,117,325

Program services were 84.8% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

As filed

Subsection
03
NTEE code
D500
Classification
2000
Street
8450 W 10 MILE RD

These codes are the IRS's own and are shown exactly as filed. What each one means is in the Business Master File documentation (opens in a new tab).

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

The mission of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. The vision of the DZS is to be a force for positive change in a world where animals and nature are valued, understood and protected by all people. The DZS operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.

Activities or mission (Part I)

The mission of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. The vision of the DZS is to be a force for positive change in a world where animals and nature are valued, understood and protected by all people.

  • CONSERVATION, ANIMAL CARE, AND WELFARE: The Detroit Zoological Society demonstrates leadership in wildlife conservation, animal care, and animal welfare. The Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center had 1,909 individual animals representing 212 species in its care as of December 31, 2024. The Detroit Zoological Society is a leader in species conservation through its local, national and international field conservation programs, its support of partners' field conservation work and captive breeding of threatened and endangered species at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. The Detroit Zoological Society's Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics is a resource center for captive animal welfare knowledge, research and best practices; a convener and forum for exotic animal welfare science, practice and policy discussions; and a center conducting research and training, and recognizing advances in exotic animal welfare.

    Expenses $11,922,958 · Grants $638,508

  • EDUCATION: The Detroit Zoological Society provides a broad audience with outstanding and unique educational opportunities that lead to the appreciation and stewardship of nature. Humane education, environmental literacy, responsible resource management, conservation, science literacy and stewardship are fundamental components of education programming. Programs utilize a variety of instructional strategies - including inquiry-based learning, storytelling, interactive technology and participatory science - to meet the various learning styles of individuals within the community. Regional school district partnerships enhance humane education and life science experiences in the classroom through onsite programs, community-based afterschool programs, internships, teacher training and curriculum support. The DZS education team also creates unique and engaging educational content for a variety of audiences online.

    Expenses $4,450,349 · Revenue $648,782

  • GUEST ENGAGEMENT: The Detroit Zoological Society continues to inspire the community with engaging, meaningful and memorable experiences at both the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. Significant animal habitats/facilities at the Detroit Zoo include the Arctic Ring of Life habitat for polar bears and sea otters, the Devereaux Tiger Forest, the Great Apes of Harambee, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness, the Australian Outback Adventure, and the National Amphibian Conservation Center. The Detroit Zoo welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors in 2024. In addition to animal experiences, other attractions at the Zoo include the 4-D Theater, Giraffe Encounter, Tauber Family Railroad, Science On a Sphere, and the Carousel. Visitors can also participate in Zoo-sponsored events including Greenfest, Sunset at the Zoo, Run Wild, Zoo Boo and Wild Lights. Attendance has remained consistent over the past 3 years, and the DZS continued to provide a safe and secure experience to all guests. At the Belle Isle Nature Center, visitors are able to get an insider's view of an active beehive and get an up-close view of Michigan wildlife, including native reptiles and amphibians. Admission and programming at the Belle Isle Nature Center are free of charge.

    Expenses $37,520,076 · Revenue $25,951,464

  • The Detroit Zoological Society continues to demonstrate organizational excellence consistent with a commitment to outstanding environmental leadership. The Detroit Zoological Society maintains grounds at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center totaling 130 acres and 80 buildings where staff members and volunteers are committed to lessening their environmental impact on the Earth. The Detroit Zoological Society has developed a unique, green roadmap called the Greenprint. This comprehensive strategic plan guides our operations and is the plan by which we refine and improve our facilities and daily practices, develop new policies and programs and improve green literacy in our community.

    Expenses $3,012,442 · Revenue $116,506

As filed on the 2024 return.

Officers and directors · 2024

As listed in Part VII of the 2024 return, in the order the filer printed them. Each return names its own; this is not a roster the organization keeps with us.

  • Hayley Murphy

    Executive Director/CEO

    Total calculated
    $584,762
    From this org
    $547,018
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $37,744
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $473,368
    Bonus
    $68,250
    Other
    $5,400
    Deferred
    $13,800
    Nontaxable benefits
    $23,944
    Filer's total
    $584,762

  • Robert Schumaker

    Chief Financial Officer

    Total calculated
    $313,571
    From this org
    $278,172
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $35,399
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $250,532
    Bonus
    $22,240
    Other
    $5,400
    Deferred
    $11,356
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,044
    Filer's total
    $313,572

  • Jane Alessandrini

    VP of Development

    Total calculated
    $278,599
    From this org
    $245,528
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $33,071
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $222,314
    Bonus
    $17,815
    Other
    $5,400
    Deferred
    $9,903
    Nontaxable benefits
    $23,169
    Filer's total
    $278,601

  • Randi Hamilton

    VP of Guest Services, Communications, and Marketing

    Total calculated
    $245,427
    From this org
    $212,531
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $32,896
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $190,945
    Bonus
    $16,186
    Other
    $5,400
    Deferred
    $8,853
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,044
    Filer's total
    $245,428

  • Diane Miller

    VP of Education

    Total calculated
    $218,503
    From this org
    $201,783
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $16,720
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $181,859
    Bonus
    $14,613
    Other
    $5,400
    Deferred
    $8,120
    Nontaxable benefits
    $8,600
    Filer's total
    $218,592

  • Mike Murray

    VP of Life Sciences

    Total calculated
    $215,226
    From this org
    $183,394
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $31,832
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $164,395
    Bonus
    $13,600
    Other
    $5,400
    Deferred
    $7,789
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,044
    Filer's total
    $215,228

  • Amanda Hanlin

    Chief of Staff

    Total calculated
    $214,847
    From this org
    $183,245
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $31,602
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $164,795
    Bonus
    $13,050
    Other
    $5,400
    Deferred
    $7,559
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,044
    Filer's total
    $214,848

  • Ann Duncan

    Associate VP of Life Sciences

    Total calculated
    $208,471
    From this org
    $181,515
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $26,956
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $162,622
    Bonus
    $13,492
    Other
    $5,400
    Deferred
    $7,521
    Nontaxable benefits
    $19,435
    Filer's total
    $208,470

  • Toria Bradley

    VP of Human Resources - Term Aug 2024

    Total calculated
    $189,952
    From this org
    $177,313
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $12,639
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $170,712
    Bonus
    $3,002
    Other
    $3,600
    Deferred
    $5,297
    Nontaxable benefits
    $7,342
    Filer's total
    $189,953

  • Richard K Martin

    Director of Individual Philanthropy

    Total calculated
    $177,719
    From this org
    $152,193
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $25,526
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $149,228
    Bonus
    $2,965
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $6,365
    Nontaxable benefits
    $19,162
    Filer's total
    $177,720

  • DeAndrea Matthews

    VP of Diversity and Community Engagement

    Total calculated
    $167,434
    From this org
    $140,467
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $26,967
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $125,132
    Bonus
    $9,936
    Other
    $5,400
    Deferred
    $2,924
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,044
    Filer's total
    $167,436

  • Anthony F Earley Jr

    Chairman

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4

  • Stephen R Polk

    Vice Chair

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • Robert G Riney

    Vice Chair

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • John G Sznewajs

    Treasurer

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • Lloyd A Semple

    Chair Emeritus

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • William Conway

    Executive Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Cynthia Ford

    Executive Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Terry S Harvill

    Executive Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Alan Kalter

    Executive Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Alan Kaufman

    Executive Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Bonnie Larson

    Executive Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Tom Lewand

    Executive Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Denise J Lewis

    Executive Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • Shawn Patterson

    Executive Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

The first 25 listed. Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us. Earlier years are each on their own filing page.

Filings

  • 2024
    Revenue
    $64,149,877
    Expenses
    $67,117,325
    Contributions
    $33,036,298
    Grants paid
    $638,508
  • 2023
    Revenue
    $54,342,499
    Expenses
    $56,218,168
    Contributions
    $26,792,125
    Grants paid
    $554,933
  • 2022
    Revenue
    $55,141,767
    Expenses
    $49,367,146
    Contributions
    $26,017,345
    Grants paid
    $736,959

The four totals the IRS asks for on Part I of the Form 990, as filed. A dash means the figure was not present on the return — not that it was zero.

Other returns filed

  • 2021 · 990

    Revenue
    $55,152,416
    Expenses
    $36,945,849
    Assets (EOY)
    $71,019,757

  • 2020 · 990

    Revenue
    $31,136,737
    Expenses
    $29,464,717
    Assets (EOY)
    $51,269,821

  • 2019 · 990

    Revenue
    $46,934,007
    Expenses
    $45,049,172
    Assets (EOY)
    $43,978,975

  • 2018 · 990

    Revenue
    $46,953,637
    Expenses
    $44,999,693
    Assets (EOY)
    $45,875,694

  • 2017 · 990

    Revenue
    $46,208,478
    Expenses
    $40,691,390
    Assets (EOY)
    $45,046,690

  • 2016 · 990

    Revenue
    $46,740,730
    Expenses
    $48,352,809
    Assets (EOY)
    $38,650,101

  • 2015 · 990

    Revenue
    $48,156,944
    Expenses
    $59,541,937
    Assets (EOY)
    $42,557,327

  • 2014 · 990

    Revenue
    $44,269,214
    Expenses
    $34,748,979
    Assets (EOY)
    $53,028,875

  • 2013 · 990

    Revenue
    $33,321,711
    Expenses
    $30,929,648
    Assets (EOY)
    $42,844,978

  • 2012 · 990

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    $29,743,356
    Assets (EOY)
    $38,863,451

Nonprofiteer parses Forms 990, 990-EZ and 990-PF, in a window of recent tax years. These returns are recorded from the IRS e-file index, so their figures were extracted by that index rather than read from the return here — treat them as a different source from the filings above, not as more of the same record. A dash means the index carries no figure; Form 990-T listings carry none at all. Showing the 10 most recent; the API carries the rest.

Grants made

The 10 largest by cash amount. The API serves every itemized grant.

Where these grants went next →

Grants received

The 10 largest by cash amount. The API serves every itemized grant.

Other IRS files

Auto-Revocation List

Not listed. The IRS publishes this list for organizations whose exemption was automatically revoked for failing to file for three consecutive years.

Publication 78

Listed as of 13 October 2026, under deductibility PC.

These are two separate IRS files on two separate schedules, shown as published and not reconciled with each other. Neither is a statement about whether a contribution is deductible today: 19,245 organizations appear in Publication 78 while the IRS's own revocation file lists them as currently revoked, more than half of those revoked before 2019. Absence from Publication 78 is evidence of nothing, and presence is not evidence either. Verify current status with the IRS before relying on it.

What this page reflects

The registration facts above come from the IRS Business Master File published 13 October 2026 and read 29 October 2026, for every organization at once. Returns through tax year 2024, the newest we have parsed for this organization.