Mike Muraco joined Strawberry Plains Audubon Center as the Operations Manager in July of 2015, and became the Center Director in 2016. He is a 30 year veteran of the zoo and aquarium community with a primary focus on research, education and conservation.  In his current position with Audubon, Mike is responsible for the daily management and continued development of the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center and for advancing Audubon’s mission throughout northern Mississippi.

Mike’s primary area of expertise is animal behavior and welfare.  Throughout his career he has participated in a variety of wildlife rehabilitation efforts with species as diverse as manatees, sea lions, dolphins, otters, sea turtles, waterfowl and more. He is a strong supporter of research and has co-authored several peer reviewed publications.  Mike is also very engaged in the community having served on several nonprofit boards.

Mike brings to Strawberry Plains Audubon Center tremendous leadership and management experience having worked at such iconic companies as Disney, Six Flags, and MGM Mirage in Las Vegas.  His training as a biologist paired with his impressive management career will serve Audubon well in the coming years.

Contact Mike at mmuraco@audubon.org