North Carolina Zoo Director Pat Simmons dies after 5-year cancer battle

ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The North Carolina Zoo announced on Monday that its director and CEO, Pat Simmons, has died after a five-year battle with cancer.

Simmons served as the NC Zoo’s leader for a decade, starting in 2015 after nearly 30 years at the Akron Zoo in Ohio and was bestowed with numerous honors during her career in the zoo and aquarium industry.

She oversaw the NC Zoo’s first major expansion since 1994 with the upcoming 12.5-acre Asia region, which will open in June 2026. That project will also include the fully-funded Australia region, which will be completed in 2029.

“Pat laughed easily and often and extended her warmth toward everyone. 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.”
Cheryl Armstrong, the Executive Director of the North Carolina Zoo Society

The zoo described Simmons’ mission as her striving to “inspire people to be stewards of the natural world and protect the diversity of animals and plants.”

The NC Zoo gained international recognition for its conservation program under Simmons’ leadership.

“The North Carolina Zoo is internationally recognized as one of the very best—and that didn’t happen by accident. It is due in large part to the thoughtful and innovative leadership of Pat Simmons,” said North Carolina Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources Pamela B. Cashwell. “To say she’s beloved at the Zoo and beyond is an understatement. On behalf of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, we extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends and thank her on behalf of our state.”

Governor Josh Stein shared his condolences as well, posting on his X account: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Pat Simmons, Director and CEO of the @NCZoo. Pat was a steward of the wildlife community in NC and will be deeply missed. May her memory be a blessing.”