Cleveland, Oh—St. Vitus Parish, the first American Slovenian personal Roman Catholic parish to be established in the diocese of Cleveland, is pleased to announce that Dr. Christopher Kuhar, Executive Director of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, will be a guest speaker on APRIL 26, 2026 (Sunday) in the new social hall of St. Vitus, 6022 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103, after the 9:00AM Mass in St. Vitus Church. St. Vitus Church is located at 6019 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103. Dr. Kuhar served as the Curator of Animals at Clevland Metroparks Zoo prior to being appointed to the position of Executive Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, in January 2013. Dr. Kuhar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Akron, a Master of Science degree in Zoology from Oklahoma University and a PhD degree in Experimental Psychology from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Kuhar has an extensive background in his fields: served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Zoos and Aquarians, served as Chair of the Board during the early days of COVID-19, Member of 2014 Leadership Cleveland Class and 2016 LC2 Class. He also currently serves on the Ohio Advisory Board of the Trust for Public land. The presentation is being co-sponsored with St. Vitus Parish by St. Anne Lodge #4 AMLA and Slovenian Women Union Scholarship Foundation (SWUSF).

Dr. Kuhar will present an overview of the Zoo’s largest capital project to date, that being the Primate Forest as well as an overview of the future direction of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and how it relates to the overall picture of the Cleveland Metroparks system.

Dr. Kuhar is a native of northeast Ohio, growing up in Lorain, Ohio where the former Slovenian parish of Ss. Cyril and Methodius were established until its closure in the 2010s. He currently resides in Strongsville, Ohio with his wife Gayle, and two children.

There is no admission charge. Pastry and light refreshments will be available.