Topics Related to North Carolina Zoo

While the North Carolina Zoo, a division of N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is busy preparing for the public opening of its acclaimed Asia expansion, the animal residents within the region have been equally busy — adjusting to their new habitats, building trust with caregivers, and even putting down roots in the heart of North Carolina.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) will open the North Carolina Zoo’s new Asia expansion on March 1, 2027. The new continent will be the Zoo’s first major development in more than 30 years. The last was the North America Continent section in 1994.

The North Carolina Zoo and Botanical Gardens, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, recently surpassed a million hours of donated service since the volunteer program was established in the late 1970s.

The North Carolina Zoo Council will meet in person on Wednesday, May 13, beginning at 10 a.m.

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) today announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Penning as the new director of the North Carolina Zoo.

Dr. Penning recently announced his retirement 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.