Dr Chris Kuhar has been the executive director of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo since January 2013. Before this, he served as the zoo’s curator of animals.
Under Kuhar’s direction, animal welfare, education, and conservation are emphasised. He supports raising public awareness of zoos’ contributions to animal care and conservation. Throughout his career, his goal has been to change the perception of zoos as places for amusement to significant wildlife education and conservation hubs. Kuhar has also been active in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), having held the chair post during the early COVID-19 pandemic and serving on the board of directors.
His background includes experience at well-known establishments such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Zoo Atlanta, which have shaped his views on conservation and animal care. Dr Chris Kuhar holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Akron, an M.S. in Zoology from Oklahoma State University, and a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Georgia Institute of Technology.
“Chris is one of the most critical-thinking zoo directors on the planet,” said one nominator. “He has transitioned Cleveland Metroparks Zoo into being one of the top zoos in the United States and as a major player in conservation action. Even with this incredible accomplishment, Chris still strives for more and challenges conventional thinking about what a zoo is and what impact it can have on the world.
“Chris is ruggedly committed to learning and better understanding situations to apply that knowledge to create change. The most admirable quality of Chris is his willingness to publicly verbalise these important challenges. Many other leaders will keep difficult questions or thoughts to themselves to keep the peace, maintain existing norms, or avoid attention. Chris is willing to be the first person to step out in scenarios. That is a hugely important and needed person who can shape the zoological industry as we know it.”