William "Billy" Creed Hurley IV is an American marine scientist, conservationist, animal trainer and spokesperson for the marine mammal rehabilitation, conservation and training communities.
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 where he ultimately received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Environmental Science in 1990.
lieutenant 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.
Career
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. 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. 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.
The facility was eventually acquired by the Georgia Aquarium during Billy"s tenure at the Georgia Aquarium. 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 frequently serves as an expert commentator regarding captive marine mammal issues for national and international media outlets.
Membership
Billy is also a member of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
