After working as a research assistant at the Cleveland Metroparks zoo from 1997 to 2000, Christopher Kuhar was named its executive director in 2012. Kuhar has a passion for his work and Northeast Ohio. Cleveland Visitor recently caught up with Chris and asked him to “Take 5.” 

Why should visitors visit the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo?

Visitors can see 2,000 animals nestled within a river valley, just minutes from downtown Cleveland. The beautiful landscape here is great for animal experiences, including African Elephant Crossing and one of the most diverse collections of primate species in the country. Guests will want to see the new seasonal Penguin Shores exhibit and the Nature Discovery Zone playground. And the indoor Rainforest is always great, rain or shine. The zoo really is a great value, and there’s free parking, too.

What is it that you find so compelling?

Zoos, in general, connect to their communities, and they provide opportunities to view animals from all over the world that most people otherwise would never have a chance to see. We provide educational programming for students, and we contribute directly to conservation programs worldwide. Most importantly, we connect people with wildlife. Over a million people a year come through our gates annually, and we have the opportunity to inspire them to help animals and wildlife. Essentially, everything we do is for the welfare of animals.

You were with Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Atlanta Zoo; how did that help prepare you for your current role?

At Zoo Atlanta, my focus was on animal behavior research. For example, in the wild, groups of male gorillas play, fight, eat - all the things that boys of all species do. We were looking at the best ways to create zoo environments that encourage such natural behavior. That work continued when I was at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but I also began doing more work on the evaluation of conservation programs and efforts to meet guests’ needs. I saw how science can improve the lives of animals and the  zoo experience for guests. This is what we’re doing at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; we’re using science to design and evaluate  new habitats for our animals. It’s fun. 

What do you like most about your job? 

Watching kids’ faces when they see their favorite animals for the first time, and they’re in awe. When you see that reaction you know you’re making a difference. If zoos didn’t exist, I'd still be doing something that made a difference for people and the environment. I’d probably be a conservation scientist in the field since my first choice of being a Major League shortstop didn't pan out. 

When visitors ask for restaurant and attraction picks, what do you suggest? 

I recommend the lakefront experiences at Edgewater and Euclid beaches, or any of the Cleveland Metroparks’ 23,000 acres; Indians, Cavs, Browns, or Monsters games; downtown restaurants including Merwin's Wharf in the Flats; the museums of University Circle; the West Side Market; and, of course, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. If you can’t do it all, just make plans to return.