New director to NC Zoo Council: ‘I trust the team’

ASHEBORO — The NC Zoo’s newly named director addressed the Zoo Council on May 13 — by recorded video.

Dr. Mark Penning appeared on screen as the Zoo Council met at the Stedman Education Center. He said, “I consider it 

a real privilege and honor to join the zoo. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and learning.”

Penning, who will start his new job on Aug. 3, will fill the job formerly held by Pat Simmons, who died last year. The nationwide search for her successor led to the announcement on May 4 that the former vice president of animals, science and environment for Disney Experiences would take Simmons’ place.

A native South African, Penning said he has a “profound love of nature and I want to share that love with as many people as possible.” That love of wildlife has led him all over the world to experience nature.

The soon-to-be director of the NC Zoo said he wants to instill the mindset of “believing we can get better every day, to talk about not being perfect, to strive toward being better.

“When I get there I’ll ask you, ‘What are you most proud of doing?’ ”

Penning said he “love(s) the vision and mission of the zoo. I respect what you’ve achieved.”

He said that over his career he has worked with Dr. David Jones, predecessor to Simmons, as well as other staff members. “You have a strong leadership team.”

Addressing the possibility of change, Penning said, “It can be intimidating or empowering.” He assured the council that there would not be “change for the sake of change. I want to stay true to the vision of the founders of the zoo. I’ll do my best to communicate to you effectively, to help you see the reason why we’re doing something. 

“I trust the team and want a strong relationship of trust.”

Finally, Penning said, “I’m eagerly counting down the days when I can be with you. Thank you for the work you do. I will see you soon. Until then, take care.”

Other Zoo comments and updates

Prior to the video, there were comments from Jeff Michaels, deputy secretary of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which oversees the zoo. He said, “This is an important year for the zoo,” particularly with the belated opening of the Asia exhibit which has been delayed by the absence of a state budget. Michaels said the zoo needs $7.1 million to hire 69 positions and purchase new equipment.

“Now, we wait and see,” he said of efforts to complete the state budget.

Michaels lamented the loss of Simmons, saying her death was “a true loss for the zoo.” He recognized Diane Villa, interim director, for her “amazing job, along with the senior leadership staff.”

As for the nationwide search for a new director, Michaels credited the zoo’s reputation for attracting “topnotch leaders” who applied for the job. He said Penning, known for his conservation and animal experience, “is a very humble and thoughtful person.”

Once Penning arrives, Michaels said, “We will get him around the state” to meet leaders, particularly legislators.

Villa then led a discussion of updates at the zoo, including the latest attendance figures of more than 405,000 visitors at the zoo so far this year, through May 9. Last year’s full-year attendance mark reached more than 1.033 million.

Villa said the NC Zoo Society’s capital campaign had reached nearly $41.8 million of its goal of $50 million. Also, the zoo is working on a master plan for the next 30 years, including expansion.

Villa said the zoo is preparing for the inspection by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that’s scheduled for July 6-9. She also reported on Emergency Operations, which is fully staffed with sworn state-commissioned officers who have the collaboration with the Asheboro Police Department, Asheboro Fire & Rescue, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Randolph County Emergency Services, NC Highway Patrol and the NC Forest Service.

Rich Bergl, deputy director and chief mission officer, gave a rundown of new animals at the zoo, conservation and science projects, education programs and volunteers.

Barb Watkins, manager of planning and construction, said the aviary is scheduled for demolition this summer, making room for the future Amazon region. Currently, she said, the west parking lot on the site of the old interim zoo is being graded for paving to add 900 more parking spaces.

Watkins also said the future Australia habitat is in the schematic design phase.

There were also reports by Jeff Causey, finance director, and Jb Minter, director of animal health.