Celebrity zookeeper and animal educator Jack Hanna is seen with a penguin as part of his TV show’s ‘Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live!’ appearances in person. This show was in Austin, Texas on Nov. 12, 2017, where he brought animals to the public to show them off and educate the audiences. Jack was the longtime Director of the Columbus Zoo from 1978-1992. He then became an emeritus member and spokesperson before retiring in 2020.
On Apr. 7, 2021 his three daughters shared a public letter that their dad had been diagnosed with dementia and that he would be stepping away from public life. “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,” it read.
During his long career, Jack made numerous appearances on morning, daytime and late night talk shows, always bringing along new species of animals to amuse and educate the audiences. Jack had three promientent and long-running syndicated shows, including 1992-2011’s ‘Animal Adventures,’ 2007-2020’s ‘Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild,’ and 2011-2020’s ‘Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown.’
