Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director named AZA Chair Elect
Cleveland Metroparks today announced it was awarded re-accreditation by The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and is a measure of an agency’s overall operations, management and service to the community.
CAPRA found that Cleveland Metroparks met or exceeded all 151 standards and, among many achievements, was recognized for a strong professional culture, strong financial oversight and interconnectedness with nature and surrounding communities. There are currently only 166 accredited park and recreation agencies across the country.
“We take great pride in providing high quality parks and recreational opportunities to Northeast Ohio and this achievement sets us among the very best park and recreation agencies in the country,” said Brian M. Zimmerman, Cleveland Metroparks CEO.
Separately, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Executive Director, Dr. Chris Kuhar, was elected to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Board of Directors Chair Elect position at this week’s annual AZA Conference, taking place in Seattle, Washington. AZA is the independent accrediting organization representing more than 230 institutions around the world.
As Chair Elect, Dr. Kuhar will help lead aspects of the national organization, including accreditation, ethics, animal welfare and conservation. Dr. Kuhar will serve for one year before becoming the Board Chair. The AZA Board of Directors serve in a volunteer capacity and Dr. Kuhar will continue in his role as Executive Director at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
“I want to congratulate Dr. Kuhar for his selection as Chair Elect to the AZA Board of Directors where he will be a driving force for conservation initiatives not only at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo but at AZA institutions around the world,” said Zimmerman.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is accredited by AZA which requires a dedication to the highest standards of animal care, guest education and contributions to conservation and science. Each year, AZA's 230 accredited facilities collectively contribute $160 million to field conservation projects that help to protect species across the world.
# # #