Spouse(s) Heather Lee Hurley | Name William IV | |
Born 1968 Del Rio, Texas Occupation Animal Trainer; Behaviorist; Spokesperson; Scientist | ||
William "Billy" Creed Hurley IV (born in 1968) is an American marine scientist, conservationist, animal trainer and spokesperson for the marine mammal rehabilitation, conservation and training communities. He most recently served as the Chief Zoological Officer and Senior Vice President for the Georgia Aquarium, which was the largest aquarium in the world when it opened in 2005.
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Education
Billy enrolled at The University of the South (Sewanee) with the intention of pursuing a law degree, but his aspirations changed and he pursued studies in the field of marine science. He transferred to Alabama's Auburn University where he ultimately received a BS degree in Marine Environmental Science in 1990.
It was the Auburn-affiliated Dauphin Island-based Marine Environmental Science Consortium and their open water field study site that gave him his first exposure to bottlenose dolphin research.
Early career
Following graduation from Auburn University, Hurley began working as a marine mammal trainer for exhibitions, as an education specialist for student programs, and as a primary responder for the marine mammal stranding network for Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (Fort Walton Beach, Florida). He eventually was promoted to senior trainer.
After 5 years in Fort Walton Beach he was recruited by the Office of Naval Research’s Grant Director to condition marine mammals for physiology and performance research utilizing positive reinforcement techniques. He was stationed at the Long Marine Laboratory Marine Science Campus of the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he also performed free release training with sea lions in Monterrey Bay.
As Corporate VP
Billy was hired by Dolphin Quest, pioneers in modern dolphin interactive programs in 1999, to serve as Director of Animal Management and General Manager at the their Oahu, Hawaii facility and was later promoted to Corporate Director of Animal Management for Dolphin Quest facilities worldwide. The company owned and managed two marine mammal facilities in Hawaii, one in Bermuda and one in French Polynesia. While at Dolphin Quest he managed marine animal interactive and educational programs, captive marine mammal research projects, animal care programs, as well as lead field projects with pelagic bottlenose dolphins.
Before being recruited to Atlanta, Billy returned to Florida as General Manager and Vice President of Animal Management at Marineland’s Dolphin Conservation Center. There, he managed animal care, animal training, facility operations, participated in health assessment programs with free ranging dolphins, as well as visionary founder of the Dolphin Conservation Field Station for stranding response and population studies. The facility was eventually acquired by the Georgia Aquarium during Billy's tenure at the Georgia Aquarium.
Professional Service
Among notable positions served, Billy is a Past President of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association, a professional member and Chair of their Trainer Development Program Accreditation Committee. Likewise, he is the Immediate Past President and former Accreditation Commission Chair for the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA). Billy is also a member of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Media
Billy frequently serves as an expert commentator regarding captive marine mammal issues for national and international media outlets. In 2013, he was selected along with his colleague Grey Stafford to serve as a guest panelist for a critique of the controversial docudrama Blackfish (film) for CNN.
Personal life
Billy is husband to Heather Lee Hurley, former marine mammal trainer at the University of California, Santa Cruz and Dolphin Quest, Hawaii. They have two children, and currently reside in Roswell, Georgia, USA.