Michelle Snurl

Michelle Smurl is Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation Education at the Fort Wayne Zoo, bringing over 30 years of leadership in animal care, conservation, and team development. She is deeply dedicated to advancing animal wellness and has spent her career building programs that improve the lives of animals in human care and in the wild.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and a Master of Science in Library Science, a unique combination that underscores her strengths in research, education, and science communication. Before joining Fort Wayne in 2023, she served as Chief Animal Officer at the Palm Beach Zoo and spent 23 years as Director of Animal Care at the Brevard Zoo. She began her career at Busch Gardens, gaining experience in animal care, education, and information systems.

Widely respected in the zoological field, Michelle is known for her commitment to animal wellness, leadership training, and conservation impact. Her work with endangered species has earned national recognition, and she continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of animal care professionals.