NC Zoo director succumbs to five-year cancer battle

On July 14, Pat Simmons, CEO and Director of the North Carolina Zoo located in Asheboro, passed away after losing a five-year battle to cancer. 

Simmons has been with the North Carolina Zoo since 2015 and has more than 41 years of experience leading the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos. Simmons also led the Akron Zoo in Ohio from 1985 to 2014. She served as Chairwoman of the Board for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2012 and was a member of the Board of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) from 2015 to 2021.

“Pat laughed easily and often and extended her warmth toward everyone,” said Cheryl Armstrong, executive director of the North Carolina Zoo Society, in a press release. “The Zoo Society family will always remain grateful for the wisdom, caring, and friendship Pat Simmons shared with us. As much as we will miss her, we know the good she achieved during her lifetime will not stop now. The kindness, integrity, and moxie that Pat instilled in the people who knew her will survive long into the future to help make the world a better place for all its inhabitants.”

In 2024, Newsweek voted the North Carolina Zoo the “best zoo in the country.” The Carolina Journal interviewed Simmons following the voting last August. 

“I am most proud of the incredible talent, teamwork, and compassion displayed by members of the Zoo Team every single day,” Simmons told the Carolina Journal. “Their hard work and commitment to the Zoo’s mission is essential to operating at peak performance and allow us to provide the best possible service to our guests and the plants and animals in our care. I am especially proud of our work with our global and community partners and non-profit organizations to make positive, meaningful impacts on our world for the benefit of present and future generations.”

In 2024, the North Carolina Zoo also celebrated its 50th anniversary and was awarded the botanical garden accreditation, which has only been awarded to a handful of zoos in the nation. 

“Pat was more than an exceptional leader; she was a visionary who poured her heart into making our Zoo one of the finest in the world,” Rep. Brian Biggs, R-Randolph, said in a press release. “Under Pat’s leadership, the North Carolina Zoo expanded its mission, strengthened its global conservation programs, and laid the groundwork for exciting new habitats like the Asia and Australia regions that will educate and amaze visitors for years to come. Her careful planning, tenacity, and bold vision ensured our Zoo would remain a treasure for future generations.” 

Simmons was a formidable presence who left a lasting mark during her time at the North Carolina Zoo. Colleagues remember her as exceptionally witty, intelligent, and deeply admired by all who knew her.

“Her legacy is not just the habitats she helped build, but the lives she touched along the way,” said Biggs.

According to a press release, she dedicated her career to inspiring others to become stewards of the natural world and protect the rich diversity of animal and plant life. To achieve this vision, she emphasized the deep interconnections between people, animals, and plants, championing innovative habitat design, acclaimed educational initiatives, and unforgettable guest experiences. Under her leadership, the North Carolina Zoo’s renowned wildlife conservation efforts expanded significantly, gaining recognition and impact on a global scale.

“Pat’s influence wasn’t limited to animals and exhibits,” continued Biggs. “She led with compassion, humor, and unwavering integrity. She mentored countless staff, supported women in leadership across the zoo community, and made everyone feel welcome, heard, and valued. She reminded us that protecting nature is not just a duty but a shared privilege.” 

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