RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) – As uncertainty remains over when a completed expansion will open, a new leader has been named for the sprawling state zoo in Randolph County
Dr. Mark Penning will begin as director of the N.C. Zoo this summer.
Photo Courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Penning as the new director of the North Carolina Zoo.
Dr. Penning recently announced his retirement as vice president of animals, science, and environment for Disney Experiences, part of the Walt Disney Company. There he oversaw animal care, conservation, and environmental initiatives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot, and at Disney parks around the world.
“I am excited that Dr. Mark Penning will soon be joining the North Carolina Zoo,” said Governor Josh Stein in the press release making the announcement. “His leadership, experience, and vision will enable him to take the North Carolina Zoo, the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, to the next level and enhance the visitor experience. I can’t wait to see what he and the team at the Zoo create.”
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Penning joining us at DNCR and the North Carolina Zoo,” said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “He is a world leader in animal care and conservation and truly understands and supports the Zoo’s mission.
A veterinarian by training with a special interest in wildlife, Dr. Penning previously served as CEO of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research in Durban, South Africa. He has also served as president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and as a board member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Dr. Penning currently sits on the board of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and serves as a Trustee of Wild Welfare, an animal welfare organization.
He fills the role held by Pat Simmons, who died last July from cancer.
“I am very excited to be moving to the beautiful state of North Carolina and joining the fabulous team at the North Carolina Zoo,” Penning said. “I have long admired the zoo with its stunningly picturesque setting, modern animal habitats, engaging experiences for visitors, and talented team of zoo professionals. They have created a world-class destination where families can connect with nature and with each other and experience the joy and wonder of being outdoors. It is an honor and a privilege for me to join the team.”
His arrival at the zoo comes as plans are underway to open a third “country,” to its footprint. However, as the state budget remains mired in stalemate at the General Assembly, funding for the staff for the Asia section of the Zoo remains in limbo.
The Asia section of the zoo is ready for visitors, but needs about 70 additional employees to fully staff and manage the expansion. Without an approved state budget, those positions cannot be filled, and the expansion is yet to open.
The Asia expansion represents a major investment in the zoo’s future, with more than $75 million already spent on the project. It would join the two current areas of the zoo, North America and Africa. The zoo was originally envisioned in the 1970s to include all of the continents on its large property outside Asheboro.
Dr. Penning will begin his tenure as director of the North Carolina Zoo this summer.