Former Disney Executive to Become Director of North Carolina Zoo

(eap) Dr. Mark Penning, who recently retired from his position as Vice President of Animals, Science, and Environment at Disney Experiences, will become the new Director of the North Carolina Zoo. The experienced veterinarian, who has worked for Disney for more than a decade, will take up his new position in Asheboro this summer, as the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) – the government agency responsible for the zoo – announced this week.

“I am excited that Dr. Mark Penning will soon be joining the North Carolina Zoo. 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,” said North Carolina’s Governor Josh Stein.

As a trained veterinarian, Penning has a special interest in wildlife. At Disney, he was responsible for animal care as well as conservation and environmental initiatives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom Lodge and the dark ride attraction “The Seas with Nemo & Friends” at Disney’s Epcot park in Orlando, Florida. In addition, Penning previously served as CEO of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research in Durban, South Africa, as President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and as a board member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Penning currently sits on the board of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and serves as a trustee of the animal welfare organisation Wild Welfare.

“I am very excited to be moving to the beautiful state of North Carolina and joining the fabulous team at the North Carolina Zoo. 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 oudoors. It is an honor and a privilege for me to join the team,” said Dr. Penning.

In addition to the change at management level, current developments at the North Carolina Zoo – which welcomes around one million visitors a year – are focusing in particular on the major construction site for the new Asia section. Covering an area of more than five hectares, the new area will provide a home for tigers, Komodo dragons, king cobras and other Asian species. For visitors, plans include a range of viewing opportunities as well as a panoramic dining facility overlooking the tiger habitat as well as a visitor pathway above the enclosure.

In Europe, a special large-scale zoo project has also recently been completed: Belgian animal park Pairi Daiza, which is likewise known beyond the country’s borders for its highly naturalistic habitats, has opened “Edenya”, a vast tropical hall featuring numerous animal species and integrated overnight accommodation for visitors. Read all about the new development in our current EAP May/June issue. ■