Detroit Zoological Society
85% goes to programs $6 to raise $100 Strong reserves Growing revenue
Detroit Zoological Society is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Royal Oak, Michigan, registered in 1958, with $64,149,877 in FY2024 revenue. CharityIndex grades it A, and it directs about 85% of spending to programs.
8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI, 48067 EIN 38-6027356 Since 1958
Revenue (FY2024)
$64.1M
▲ 18.0% vs prior year
Animals median: $151K
Expenses (FY2024)
$67.1M
Net assets
$60.0M
Employees
602
CharityIndex rating
One independent A+ to F grade from four published criteria, each scored separately from IRS filings and combined by weight.
A
AProgram efficiency40% of the rating85% to programs · $6 to raise $100
Measures how much of every dollar spent actually reaches programs, plus what it costs to raise $100 of donations. The worse of the two measures sets the letter (85%+ to programs is an A; under $15 to raise $100 is an A), averaged over the three most recent filings. For Detroit Zoological Society: 85% to programs · $6 to raise $100 earns a A on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
B+Financial health25% of the rating11 mo reserves · -5% margin
Measures whether the organization is built to last: how many months its reserves would cover expenses (3+ months earns an A-range score, but hoarding 5+ years of budget is capped) and whether it runs a surplus or a deficit. For Detroit Zoological Society: 11 mo reserves · -5% margin earns a B+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
A+Governance25% of the rating6 of 6 checks met
Checks how the organization is run, from its own Form 990: an independent board majority, a board of five or more, conflict-of-interest, whistleblower and document-retention policies, and independently audited financials. The share of disclosed checks that pass sets the letter. For Detroit Zoological Society: 6 of 6 checks met earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
A+Transparency10% of the rating5 of 5 disclosure signals
Counts five disclosure signals: a recent filing, a mission statement, program descriptions, a listed website, and the full expense breakdown. More disclosure, better letter. For Detroit Zoological Society: 5 of 5 disclosure signals earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
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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.
What they do
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.
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.
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.
Contact & location
- Address
- 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI, 48067
- City
- Royal Oak
- State
- Michigan
- Category
- Animal-Related
- Subcategory
- Zoos & Aquariums
- Phone
- …
- Website
- …
Financial trends
Revenue grew from $33.3M (FY2013) to $64.1M (FY2024) across 12 reported years.
Financial snapshot
Financial health & position (FY2024)
Liabilities $10.5MNet assets $60.0M
Operating margin
-4.6%
Spent more than it raised in the latest fiscal year.
Total assets
$70.4M
Total liabilities
$10.5M
Net assets
$60.0M
Salaries & benefits
$27.4M
41% of expenses
Board members
47
47 independent
Financials by year
| Fiscal year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Total assets | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $64,149,877▲18.0% | $67,117,325▲19.4% | $59,955,811▼2.3% | $70,446,976▼0.4% | 990 |
| 2023 | $54,342,499▼1.4% | $56,218,168▲13.9% | $61,371,869▲5.6% | $70,751,151▲5.4% | 990 |
| 2022 | $55,141,767 | $49,367,146▲33.6% | $58,097,296▼6.8% | $67,128,670▼5.5% | 990 |
| 2021 | $55,152,416▲77.1% | $36,945,849▲25.4% | $62,308,114▲47.3% | $71,019,757▲38.5% | 990 |
| 2020 | $31,136,737▼33.7% | $29,464,717▼34.6% | $42,304,158▲15.2% | $51,269,821▲16.6% | 990 |
| 2019 | $46,934,007 | $45,049,172▲0.1% | $36,727,654▲8.1% | $43,978,975▼4.1% | 990 |
| 2018 | $46,953,637▲1.6% | $44,999,693▲10.6% | $33,982,883▼0.1% | $45,875,694▲1.8% | 990 |
| 2017 | $46,208,478▼1.1% | $40,691,390▼15.8% | $34,000,278▲27.0% | $45,046,690▲16.5% | 990 |
| 2016 | $46,740,730▼2.9% | $48,352,809▼18.8% | $26,771,742▼3.9% | $38,650,101▼9.2% | 990 |
| 2015 | $48,156,944▲8.8% | $59,541,937▲71.3% | $27,868,781▼30.2% | $42,557,327▼19.7% | 990 |
| 2014 | $44,269,214▲32.9% | $34,748,979▲12.3% | $39,951,601▲26.8% | $53,028,875▲23.8% | 990 |
| 2013 | $33,321,711 | $30,929,648▲4.0% | $31,500,338▲12.2% | $42,844,978▲10.2% | 990 |
| 2012 | — | $29,743,356▼5.4% | $28,077,958▲16.2% | $38,863,451▲11.9% | 990 |
| 2011 | — | $31,429,305▲19.6% | $24,170,071▲28.9% | $34,740,353▲13.3% | 990 |
| 2009 | — | $26,272,869 | $18,748,025 | $30,668,526 | 990 |
Original Form 990 PDFs (the Form column) are served by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, as filed with the IRS. Create a free account to download the CSV report.
Leadership & compensation (FY2024)
Highest-paid: Hayley Murphy — $547,018 (0.82% of total expenses)
| Name | Title | Hours/week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayley Murphy | Executive Director/ceo | 50 | $547,018 |
| Robert Schumaker | Chief Financial Officer | 50 | $278,172 |
| Jane Alessandrini | Vp of Development | 50 | $245,528 |
| Randi Hamilton | Vp of Guest Services, Communications, and Marketing | 40 | $212,531 |
| Diane Miller | Vp of Education | 50 | $201,783 |
| Mike Murray | Vp of Life Sciences | 50 | $183,394 |
| Amanda Hanlin | Chief of Staff | 50 | $183,245 |
| Ann Duncan | Associate Vp of Life Sciences | 40 | $181,515 |
| Toria Bradley | Vp of Human Resources - Term Aug 2024 | 40 | $177,313 |
| Richard K Martin | Director of Individual Philanthropy | 40 | $152,193 |
| Deandrea Matthews | Vp of Diversity and Community Engagement | 40 | $140,467 |
| Alan Kalter | Executive Director | 1 | — |
| Alan Kaufman | Executive Director | 1 | — |
| Alisha Bell | Director | 1 | — |
| Andrew Blake | Director | 1 | — |
| Anthony F Earley Jr | Chairman | 4 | — |
| Beth Chappell | Director | 1 | — |
| Beth Daly | Director | 1 | — |
| Betty Chu | Director | 1 | — |
| Bonnie Larson | Executive Director | 1 | — |
Top vendors & contractors (FY2024)
| Contractor | Services | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| The Albert M Higley Co LLC | Construction Management | $9,686,423 |
| Midwest Commercial Construction LLC | Construction Management | $2,615,544 |
| Doner Partners LLC | Marketing Consultation | $711,737 |
| Conti Corporation | Facilities Maintenance | $325,690 |
| Motor City Scuba LLC | Facilities Maintenance | $186,445 |
Grants received · $7.5M total
97 grants to Detroit Zoological Society totaling $7.5M, reported by foundations on their Schedule I filings — showing the 15 most recent.
| Grantmaker | Purpose | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Foundation For Southeast Michigan | Education | 2024 | $620,752 |
| American Endowment Foundation | Animal-related | 2024 | $38,250 |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | General support | 2024 | $24,260 |
| Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund For Wealth Management Inc | Medical / public services | 2024 | $15,750 |
| United Jewish Foundation | To support the zoo | 2024 | $14,000 |
| The Us Charitable Gift Trust | For recipient's exempt purpose | 2024 | $10,100 |
| National Philanthropic Tr | Religion | 2023 | $753,673 |
| Community Foundation For Southeast Michigan | Animal-related | 2023 | $521,707 |
| United Way For Southeastern Michigan | Grant | 2023 | $191,960 |
| Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund | For grant recipient's exempt purposes | 2023 | $108,345 |
| Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund | General support | 2023 | $102,800 |
| Yale University | Subaward - sponsored research | 2023 | $100,197 |
| Donor Advised Charitable Giving | Environmental and animals | 2023 | $26,560 |
| Corewell Health | Support exempt purpose | 2023 | $22,500 |
| American Endowment Foundation | Animal-related | 2023 | $15,250 |
Grants made · $281K in FY2024
16 grants totaling $281K in FY2024 — showing the 15 largest. All grants made by Detroit Zoological Society →
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International | Conservation support | $70,000 |
| Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Grace Cente | Conservation support | $40,000 |
| Wildlife Conservation Network | Conservation support | $25,000 |
| Oneplanet USA Inc | Conservation support | $20,000 |
| American Forests | Conservation support | $18,020 |
| Ngogo Chimpanzee Project Inc | Conservation support | $10,000 |
| Rewild | Conservation support | $10,000 |
| Oklahoma City Zoological Trust DBA Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden | Conservation support | $10,000 |
| Rewild | Conservation support | $10,000 |
| Polar Bears International | Conservation support | $10,000 |
| Red Panda Network | Conservation support | $10,000 |
| Global Conservation Network | Conservation support | $10,000 |
| Turtle Survival Alliance | Conservation support | $10,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoological Society | Conservation support | $10,000 |
| Minnesota Zoo Foundation | Conservation support | $10,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Detroit Zoological Society a legitimate nonprofit?
- Yes. Detroit Zoological Society is a 501(c)(3) organization registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under EIN 38-6027356, based in Royal Oak, Michigan. Donations are tax-deductible.
- What is Detroit Zoological Society's EIN?
- Detroit Zoological Society's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 38-6027356.
- How much revenue does Detroit Zoological Society report?
- Detroit Zoological Society reported $64,149,877 in total revenue on its fiscal year 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.
- How much of Detroit Zoological Society's spending goes to programs?
- Detroit Zoological Society spends about 85% of its total expenses on programs, based on its latest IRS Form 990.
- What financial grade does Detroit Zoological Society have?
- CharityIndex grades Detroit Zoological Society A, based on program efficiency and fundraising cost.
- How much does Detroit Zoological Society's highest-paid employee make?
- The highest reported compensation on Detroit Zoological Society's latest Form 990 is $547,018, paid to Hayley Murphy (Executive Director/ceo).
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Explore more
Data for Detroit Zoological Society (EIN 38-6027356) comes from the IRS Business Master File and e-filed Form 990 returns, via CharityIndex. Figures reflect what the organization reported to the IRS for each fiscal year.