ASHEBORO — A new director with connections to Walt Disney Company has been hired for the North Carolina Zoo.
Mark Penning will assume the position this summer, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced.
Penning recently announced his retired 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.
“He is a world leader in animal care and conservation and truly understands and supports the Zoo’s mission,” said Pamela Cashwell, DNCR secretary.
Penning fills a position that had been held for 10 years by Pat Simmons until her death last July. Diane Villa has been interim director.
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. Penning sits on the board of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and serves as a Trustee of Wild Welfare, an animal welfare organization.
N.C. Zoo has more than 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants.
