Jack Hanna, one of the world’s most celebrated zookeepers and star of TV shows like “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild” and “Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown,” has been diagnosed with dementia, now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease, his three daughters announced in a letter Wednesday.
Hanna, the 74-year-old internationally-known director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, has spent more than four decades in the public eye putting Columbus, Ohio, and its zoo’s conservation efforts on the national stage. He officially retired from his role as the zoo’s spokesperson in December 2020.
Now, Hanna’s daughters — Kathaleen, Suzanne and Julie — say their dad is unable to participate in public life like he once did as his condition has severely worsened in the last few months.
“A passion for wildlife conservation and education has been at the core of who our dad is and everything he has accomplished with the help of so many,” the Hannas wrote. “He spent his life connecting people and wildlife because he has always believed that having people see and experience animals is key to engaging them in more impactful conservation efforts.
“He always said, ‘You have to touch the heart to teach the mind.’ Even though Dad is no longer able to travel and work in the same way, we know that his infectious enthusiasm has touched many hearts and will continue to be his legacy.”
Hanna was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he housed exotic animals on a spot on his dad’s property called Hanna’s Ark. He became director of the Columbus Zoo in 1978. Many credit Hanna for revitalizing the zoo and putting Columbus’ conservation efforts on the map.
Hanna’s popularity grew as he took his work on the road, sharing his love for animal conservation everywhere from classrooms to the set of “Late Night with David Letterman.” In 2018, Hanna’s calendar had him traveling 220 days a year. Millions of households also tuned in to Hanna’s weekly TV programs — including “Animal Adventures,” “Into the Wild” and “Wild Countdown.”
“To say that we are abundantly proud of our dad is an understatement,” the Hannas wrote.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium shared the Hanna daughters’ letter in a tweet Wednesday afternoon.
“We’re 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 a heartfelt letter written by Jack’s daughters. Please join us in sending messages of support for the Hannas,” the zoo wrote.
Jack Hanna is not the only family member currently dealing with health issues. Daughter Julie is recovering from a major surgery and has dealt with lifelong health issues as a result of childhood leukemia.
The Hanna daughters wrote that despite the hardships of these last few months, they’ve found strength in their mother and Jack’s wife of 53 years, Suzi, who they say has been the family’s rock. They also wrote they’ve been strengthened knowing “the many hearts he’s touched over the years are with him during this journey.”
“While Dad’s health has deteriorated quickly, we can assure you that his great sense of humor continues to shine through,” Hanna’s daughters wrote. “And yes — he still wears khakis at home.”
