Dr. Mark Penning

Dr. Mark Penning is the director of the North Carolina Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

A veterinarian by training with a special interest in wildlife, Dr. Mark previously oversaw animal care and environmental sustainability for Disney Experiences worldwide, leading teams responsible for field conservation efforts and the responsible portrayal of animals and nature in film and television.

He has 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 member of the Board of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Currently, Dr. Mark sits on the board of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and serves as a Trustee of Wild Welfare, an animal welfare organization.