Joel Hamilton joined Audubon Nature Institute in 2013 to serve as Vice President and General Curator. In this leadership role, Mr. Hamilton manages the animal collection of the Audubon Zoo providing guidance and direction to all animal care staff. Prior to his work with Audubon, Mr. Hamilton worked for many years as a licensed landscape architect for a variety of animal facilities and served as the Zoo Director of Salisbury Zoological Park from 2008 to 2012 where he directed overall operations, increased park visitation, and improved community support. 

He received his master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington after earning degrees in biology and exotic animal training and management. With more than thirty years of experience as a zoo professional, Mr. Hamilton is passionate about educating Audubon’s two million annual guests about wildlife conservation and the environment.