Detroit Zoo Executive Director Dr. Hayley Murphy Honored with Award
Delhi, NY (01/14/2025) — Detroit Zoo Executive Director Dr. Hayley Murphy (pictured) was among a group of distinguished alumni who received the 2024 Alumni Award from the State University of New York at Delhi.
Dr. Murphy received the Distinguished Alumna Award for her trailblazing work and leadership in the field of veterinary science. As the executive director and CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society in Royal Oak, MI, Dr. Murphy is the first female in the society's 96-year history to serve in this role. Appointed in 2021, she oversees the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Center. She has over three decades of experience in animal welfare, conservation, and zoo management. After graduating from SUNY Delhi with an associate degree in Veterinary Technology in 1984, Murphy worked as a veterinary technician and later earned a bachelor's degree and a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from Cornell University. Dr. Murphy is recognized as one of the nation's leading experts in gorilla cardiac health. She founded and serves as Director Emeritus of the Great Ape Heart Project and the Veterinary Advisor to the Gorilla Species Survival Plan and the Great Ape Taxonomic Advisory Group. Beyond her work with great apes, she has chaired the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Ethics Board and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians for the North American Veterinary Conference. Dr. Murphy currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund and Visit Detroit. She lives with her family in Farmington Hills, MI.
The SUNY Delhi Alumni Association has recognized graduates, faculty, and staff with the Alumni Awards for 47 years. Please visit www.delhi.edu/alumni for more information.
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Dr. Murphy received the Distinguished Alumna Award from the State University of New York at Delhi for her trailblazing work and leadership in the field of veterinary science.
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