Zoo’s Asia opening: Closer, but no date

ASHEBORO — During Mark Penning’s first Zoo Council meeting as director of the NC Zoo, the new state budget was foremost in everyone’s mind.

It was the year-long delay of the NC Legislature to pass a budget that pushed back opening of the zoo’s Asia Continent. The zoo had asked for funds to hire 69 employees to staff Asia but had to wait until the General Assembly could iron out its differences and appropriate the money.

Pam Cashwell, secretary of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources which oversees the zoo, said she was “thrilled to have a budget.” 

The new state budget, she said, provides funds for 54 of the 69 positions the zoo asked for. Asia received $6,218,676 and is awaiting another $1,274,400. Funding for temporary and seasonal employees was increased by more than $2 million.

Other new money for the zoo, which has yet to be received, is some $6 million for park security and modular offices. 

“We understand this is not enough to fully accomplish both projects that we asked for but we are working with zoo leadership on how to use these funds effectively to further both goals,” said Cashwell.

The Zoo Fund, managed by the Zoo Council for renovation and repair projects, was raised by the state from $500,000 to $750,000. That will enable the secretary to review larger projects.

The zoo has also received authorization for $2.5 million to repair the elephant shelters and barn bollard.

With the opening of Asia pending, Cashwell said the zoo has received a 17 percent increase in its recurring budget. She called that “transformational.”

Despite all the good news, the overall budget gives state employees a 3 percent increase but cuts vacant positions. “Staff salaries are not where they ought to be,” Cashwell said. “We’re not competitive in the market. That’s our next priority.”

“With the budget passed, when will Asia open?” was a question from a Zoo Council member. Walker Moffitt, Asheboro native and Zoo Council chair, said, “It’s complicated,” adding that new staff needs to be hired and trained and landscaping of the new region has been put on hold. “We anticipate announcing the schedule in October,” he said.

Diane Villa, deputy director and chief communications officer who had served as interim director prior to the hiring of Penning, said, “There are a lot of good jobs. Look at the website (www.nczoo. org/careers). We’re pulling in applications and plan to have job fairs.”

Penning, who had mostly watched and listened during his first Zoo Council meeting, said, “I’ve had such a warm welcome from the entire community. It says a lot about the region. I’m proud to be here and excited for the future. We can advance a lot together.”

He praised Villa and the leadership staff for keeping things running between the July 2025 death of former director Pat Simmons and Penning’s arrival. “There’s so much potential to grow and take it up to the next level, to build on the strength of what we have and get better every day. I look forward to working with you and achieving great things.”