Jack Hanna, Columbus Zoo s Director Emeritus, has dementia, his daughters say Sheridan Hendrix, The Columbus Dispatch
Jack Hanna talks about the 40 years he s been with the Columbus Zoo.
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Jack Hanna has been diagnosed with dementia, now believed to be Alzheimer s disease, Hanna s three daughters announced in a letter published Wednesday.
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.
Jack Hanna diagnosed with dementia, family says
Dan Hallman/Dan Hallman/Invision/AP
Jack Hanna poses for a portrait with a baby snow leopard on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015 in New York. (Photo by Dan Hallman/Invision/AP)
and last updated 2021-04-07 14:10:24-04
The family of Jack Hanna announced Wednesday he has been diagnosed with dementia, ânow believed to be Alzheimerâs,â and that the disease has âprogressed much faster in the last few months.â
The conservationist, who routinely appeared on television holding large and exotic animals, spent his life dedicated to connecting people with animals and improving wildlife habitats.
His daughters, Kathaleen, Suzanne and Julie, posted a joint statement on Twitter about his diagnosis and looking back on his long career at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Washington Examiner, saying that Hanna s legacy will be ever-present in the zoo s work. 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, the zoo said. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, along with Safari Golf Club, The Wilds and Zoombezi Bay family, support the Hanna family. . As such, we respect the Hanna family s wishes for privacy as they manage their loved ones care. Please join us in sending messages of support for the Hannas during this difficult time.
Dan Hallman/Invision/AP
COLUMBUS, Ohio Celebrity zookeeper and animal TV show host Jack Hanna has been diagnosed with dementia and will retire from public life, his family said.
In a news release Wednesday, his family added that it’s believed he now has Alzheimer’s disease that has quickly progressed in the last few months.
The 74-year-old Hanna was director of the Columbus Zoo from 1978 to 1992 and still serves as its director emeritus.
“Dad advocated for improved wildlife habitats and focused on connecting the community with animals,” the statement signed by his three daughters said. Hanna continued to be a spokesperson for the Ohio zoo until he retired in 2020.
Jack Hanna, Columbus Zoo s Director Emeritus, has dementia, his daughters say Sheridan Hendrix, The Columbus Dispatch
Jack Hanna talks about the 40 years he s been with the Columbus Zoo.
Replay Video UP NEXT
Jack Hanna has been diagnosed with dementia, now believed to be Alzheimer s disease, Hanna s three daughters announced in a letter published Wednesday.
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.