Overview
- Penning, who retired from Disney Experiences on Tuesday, was named director of the North Carolina Zoo and will begin this summer.
- At Disney, he oversaw animal care and conservation at Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and The Seas/SeaBase at EPCOT.
- North Carolina leaders, including Governor Josh Stein and DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell, publicly welcomed the move with praise for his leadership.
- Officials describe the Asheboro-based facility as the world's largest natural-habitat zoo, a setting Penning said he has long admired for its modern habitats and outdoor experiences.
- Disney has not announced a successor to his role, a gap that matters to fans who followed his frequent animal updates on social media.