Cleveland Metroparks announces Christopher Kuhar, Ph.D., as the new director of the Zoo
Posted: November 29, 2012
Cleveland Metroparks announces Christopher Kuhar, Ph.D., as the new director of the Zoo. Kuhar will begin his new position in January following the retirement of longtime director Steve Taylor.“After an extensive national search, we vetted a deep pool of qualified zoological professionals and found the best candidate in our own backyard,” said Cleveland Metroparks Executive Director Brian Zimmerman. “Chris possesses a wealth of knowledge, exceptional talents and leadership that will continue to strengthen the Zoo’s important mission to connect people with wildlife.”
Kuhar expressed his appreciation by saying, “I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization and work with so many talented people. I hope to further the outstanding reputation of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in this community and throughout the world.”
Kuhar becomes the tenth director in the Zoo’s 130-year history, taking over for current director Steve Taylor, who’s served in that role for 24 years. “Steve Taylor has been a great mentor to me and I hope to be able to build upon his many accomplishments,” Kuhar said.
In his new role, Kuhar will be responsible for managing the Zoo’s extensive animal collection, as well as overseeing the daily operations of the facility. In addition, he will help implement the Zoo’s master plan and integrate it into the larger strategic plan for Cleveland Metroparks. He will report to Zimmerman.
Kuhar, 39, joined the Zoo in 2008 as Curator of Primates and Small Mammals. His duties expanded and his title was changed to Curator of Animals in 2012.
Prior to that, Kuhar was the Research Manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, where he studied animal behavior for nearly five years. He previously worked as a Research Assistant at Zoo Atlanta from 2000 to 2003 and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo from 1997 to 2000.
Kuhar received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Akron in 1997, his Master of Science in zoology from Oklahoma State University in 2000 and his doctorate in experimental psychology from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2004.
Originally from Lorain, Ohio, Kuhar and his wife, Gayle, reside in Strongsville with their two children.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo . . . Connecting People with Wildlife
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Joe Yachanin, (216) 635-3310
Sue Allen, Manager, (216) 635-3338
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