How old is Jack Hanna and what does he do?
JUNGLE Jack and his animals made his way into the hearts of many as he shared his animal knowledge with the world. He has been recognized as one of the world’s top animal experts. How old is Jack Hanna and what does he do? Jack Hanna is a former zookeeper and director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo […]
JUNGLE Jack and his animals made his way into the hearts of many as he shared his animal knowledge with the world.
He has been recognized as one of the world’s top animal experts.
How old is Jack Hanna and what does he do?
Jack Hanna is a former zookeeper and director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in honor of his time as director from 1978- 1992.
The 76-year-old became known as one of the most famous animal experts often making appearances with his animals on shows such as Johnny Carson, David Letterman, James Corden, Good Morning America, and Maury Povich.
Jack has been credited with updating the zoo and its national profile during his time as director of the Columbus Zoo.
Jack hosted a local television program, Hanna’s Ark, which aired on the local CBS channel from 1981- 1983.
His live animal presentations on talk shows brought national attention to the Columbus Zoo and Jack himself.
During his time as director, the zoo made switched from cage-like enclosures to habitat environments, expanded the grounds, and increased annual attendance by over 400%.
Jack went on to publish several books and host several television programs including Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures from 1993 to 2008, Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild starting in 2007, and Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown from 2011 to 2020.
What is Jack Hanna doing now?
Jack officially retired from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium at the end of 2020 after nearly 40 years.
Jack’s family revealed that he has been diagnosed with dementia and will be retiring from public life.
The statement was posted to his Twitter account saying, “Doctors have diagnosed our dad, Jack Hanna, with dementia, now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease.”
“His condition has progressed much faster in the last few months than any of us could have anticipated. Sadly, Dad is no longer able to participate in public life as he used to, where people all over the world watched, learned and laughed alongside him.”
How has the world reacted?
The Columbus Zoo also shared a statement saying, “We are saddened by the latest news of Jungle Jack’s dementia diagnosis, now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease, and Julie’s health complications that were shared today in the heartfelt letter written by Jack’s daughters.”
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“While Jack retired from his official role at the end of 2020, his legacy will be ever-present in our work as we continue to fulfill our organization’s mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife.”
Fans have reacted to the news on social media expressing their condolences and sharing sweet memories of Jack.
One Twitter user Pam Clark thanked the Hanna family tweeting, “Thank you for sharing your dad with all of us for all these years. He has the ability of being able to put a smile on your face no matter what a rare ability that really should be appreciated by more people.”