Nonprofit · EIN 38-6027356
DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Tax-exempt · ROYAL OAK, MI 48067
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | 990 | $64,149,877 | $67,117,325 | -$2,967,448 | $70,446,976 | $10,491,165 | $59,955,811 |
| December 31, 2023 | 990 | $54,342,499 | $56,218,168 | -$1,875,669 | $70,751,151 | $9,379,282 | $61,371,869 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $33,036,298
- of which government grants
- $20,428,853
- Membership dues
- $1,323,166
- Program service revenue
- $26,588,742
- Investment income
- $3,820,264
- Net rental income
- $677,306
- Net gain from sales of assets
- $1,411,401
- Net income from fundraising events
- -$100,743
- Other revenue
- $704,573
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $638,508
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $2,542,273
- Other salaries and wages
- $19,938,059
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $27,411,084
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Legal fees
- $132,694
- Accounting fees
- $169,411
- Occupancy
- $5,557,778
- Travel
- $65,480
- Depreciation
- $705,425
- Program services (functional)
- $56,905,825
- Management and general (functional)
- $8,305,131
- Fundraising (functional)
- $1,906,369
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $70,751,151
- Total assets, end of year
- $70,446,976
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $10,491,165
- Net assets, end of year
- $59,955,811
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $2,942,231
- Publicly traded securities
- $52,714,582
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $42,541,752
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $17,414,059
- Gross receipts
- $96,517,141
- Employees
- 602
- Volunteers
- 2,292
- Year formed
- 1924
- State of legal domicile
- MI
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayley Murphy | Executive Director/CEO Officer | 50 | $547,018 | $37,744 |
| Robert Schumaker | Chief Financial Officer Officer | 50 | $278,172 | $35,399 |
| Jane Alessandrini | VP of Development Key employee | 50 | $245,528 | $33,071 |
| Randi Hamilton | VP of Guest Services, Communications, and Marketing Key employee | 40 | $212,531 | $32,896 |
| Diane Miller | VP of Education Key employee | 50 | $201,783 | $16,720 |
| Mike Murray | VP of Life Sciences Key employee | 50 | $183,394 | $31,832 |
| Amanda Hanlin | Chief of Staff Highest-paid employee | 50 | $183,245 | $31,602 |
| Ann Duncan | Associate VP of Life Sciences Highest-paid employee | 40 | $181,515 | $26,956 |
| Toria Bradley | VP of Human Resources - Term Aug 2024 Highest-paid employee | 40 | $177,313 | $12,639 |
| Richard K Martin | Director of Individual Philanthropy Highest-paid employee | 40 | $152,193 | $25,526 |
| DeAndrea Matthews | VP of Diversity and Community Engagement Highest-paid employee | 40 | $140,467 | $26,967 |
| Anthony F Earley Jr | Chairman Trustee or director, Officer | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| Stephen R Polk | Vice Chair Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| Robert G Riney | Vice Chair Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| John G Sznewajs | Treasurer Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
45 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lloyd A Semple | Chair Emeritus Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| William Conway | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Cynthia Ford | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Terry S Harvill | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Alan Kalter | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Alan Kaufman | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Bonnie Larson | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Tom Lewand | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Denise J Lewis | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Shawn Patterson | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Ismael Ahmed | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| N Charles Anderson | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Diane Banks | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Alisha Bell | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Tonya Berry | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Andrew Blake | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Denise Brooks-Williams | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Thomas C Buhl | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Sharima Bulchak | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Beth Chappell | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Betty Chu | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Matthew P Cullen | Director - Term June 2024 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Marvin Daitch | Director - Term May 2024 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Beth Daly | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Mark Douglas | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| David E Duprey | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Charles Ellis | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| John Erb | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Kimberly Andrews Espy | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Jennifer Grieco | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Hassan Jaber | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Brandon Kolo | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Isaiah McKinnon | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Mario Marrow Sr | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Stuart Robbins | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Gino Roncelli | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| James Rosenthal | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Rick Ruffner | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| James Sawyer | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Shirley R Stancato | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| James Tate | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Joel D Tauber | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Manny Torgow | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Marianne Vidershain | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| Larry Wolfe | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 61 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayley Murphy | Executive Director/CEO Officer | 50 | $516,947 | $33,403 |
| Robert Schumaker | Chief Financial Officer Officer | 50 | $268,288 | $31,183 |
| Jane Alessandrini | VP of Development Key employee | 50 | $233,343 | $29,944 |
| Sabarras George | Chief Operating Officer Key employee | 50 | $196,176 | $28,075 |
| Randi Hamilton | VP of Guest Services, Communications, and Marketing Key employee | 50 | $189,756 | $28,141 |
| Diane Miller | VP of Education Key employee | 50 | $191,151 | $15,943 |
| Ann Duncan | Associate VP of Life Sciences Highest-paid employee | 40 | $171,243 | $27,405 |
| Toria Bradley | VP of Human Resources Highest-paid employee | 40 | $165,814 | $15,909 |
| Richard K Martin | Director of Individual Philanthropy Highest-paid employee | 40 | $145,914 | $22,176 |
| Mike Murray | VP of Life Sciences Key employee | 50 | $143,580 | $18,054 |
| DeAndrea Matthews | VP of Diversity and Community Engagement Highest-paid employee | 40 | $134,034 | $23,008 |
| Amanda Hanlin | Chief of Staff Highest-paid employee | 40 | $135,582 | $19,617 |
| Anthony F Earley Jr | Chairman Trustee or director, Officer | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| Stephen R Polk | Vice Chair Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| Robert G Riney | Vice Chair Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| John G Sznewajs | Treasurer Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| Lloyd A Semple | Chair Emeritus Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Tonya Berry | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Denise Brooks-Williams | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| William Conway | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Cynthia Ford | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Terry S Harvill | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Alan Kalter | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Alan Kaufman | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Bonnie Larson | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Tom Lewand | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Denise J Lewis | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Shawn Patterson | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Richard B Platt | Executive Director - Term June 2023 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Anthony Adams | Director - Term June 2023 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Ismael Ahmed | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| N Charles Anderson | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Alisha Bell | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Thomas C Buhl | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Clark Bunting | Director - Term Feb 2023 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Beth Chappell | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Matthew P Cullen | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Marvin Daitch | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Beth Daly | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Mark Douglas | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| David E Duprey | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Charles Ellis | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| John Erb | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Jennifer Grieco | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Hassan Jaber | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| PJ Jenkins | Director - Term May 2023 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Brandon Kolo | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Lisa Lis | Director - Term June 2023 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Isaiah McKinnon | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Mario Marrow Sr | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Stuart Robbins | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Gino Roncelli | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| James Rosenthal | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Rick Ruffner | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| James Sawyer | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Shirley R Stancato | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| James Tate | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Joel D Tauber | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Marianne Vidershain | Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Rachel Vitti | Director - Term June 2023 Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| Larry Wolfe | Executive Director Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 8450 W 10 MILE RD, ROYAL OAK, MI 48067-3001
- In care of
- % KELLY ZISLER
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- Dr Hayley W Murphy, 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
- Signed the 990
- Robert Schumaker, Chief Financial Officer
- Phone
- (248) 541-5717
- Website
- http://www.detroitzoo.org/
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.
Program accomplishments
- 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
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 31, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | Not on file |
| 2024 | December 31, 2024 | May 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | May 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 38-6027356
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (509(a)(2))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1958
- Accounting year ends
- December
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Animal-related (D500)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $70,446,976
- Income (IRS master file)
- $96,517,141
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | December 2024 | $64,149,877 | $67,117,325 | $70,446,976 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2023 | $54,342,499 | $56,218,168 | $70,751,151 | XML |
| 990 | December 2022 | $55,141,767 | $49,367,146 | $67,128,670 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2019 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 38-6027356).
Questions about DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
- What is the EIN of DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY is 38-6027356.
- Is DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1958.
- Are donations to DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending December 31, 2025) is due May 15, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2024.
- Who is the principal officer of DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 names Dr Hayley W Murphy.
- Who are the officers and directors of DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 lists 60 people; 11 received compensation from the organization, the highest $547,018 (Hayley Murphy, Executive Director/CEO).
- How much revenue does DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY have?
- On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 it reported revenue of $64,149,877, expenses of $67,117,325 and total assets of $70,446,976 at year end.
Other nonprofits in ROYAL OAK
- ANIMAL HOUSE OF SOUTH EAST MICHIGAN EIN 46-0769240 · last filed 990-EZ for 2025
- NEW BEGINNINGS ANIMAL RESCUE EIN 61-1624348 · last filed 990-EZ for 2024
- GUARDIAN OF WILDLIFE EIN 26-0080658 · last filed 990-EZ for 2025
- COMMITTEE FOR THE ZOOS FUTURE EIN 26-2511504 · last filed 990-N for 2025
- COMPASS DOG RESCUE INC EIN 84-3921618 · last filed 990-N for 2025
- OLIVERS FOUNDATION EIN 83-2673409 · last filed 990-N for 2025
- AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS EIN 38-2951240 · last filed 990-N for 2025
- EMILYS SANCTUARY EIN 85-3172731 · last filed 990-N for 2023