The Columbus Dispatch
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.
Animal expert Jack Hanna diagnosed with dementia
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Celebrity Zookeeper Jack Hanna Retires from Public Life After Dementia Diagnosis
Best known to American audiences for his many late-night talk show appearances, the family of celebrity zookeeper Jack Hanna has announced that he will no longer be making public appearances having recently been diagnosed with dementia. Hanna previously worked at The Columbus Zoo from 1978 to 1992 as Executive Director, transitioning to a spokesperson role from then until last year when he retired. In a letter revealing his diagnosis, the Hanna family wrote: 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.
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TV host and zookeeper Jack Hanna has been diagnosed with dementia and will be stepping away from public life, his family announced Wednesday.
“Doctors have diagnosed our dad, Jack Hanna, with dementia, now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease,” Hanna’s three daughters, Kathaleen, Suzanne and Julie, said in a social media post.
“His condition has progressed much faster in the last few months than any of us could have anticipated,” the daughters added.
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Jack Hanna has been in the public spotlight for years for his work with wildlife, including TV appearances, live demonstrations with animals and his time with the Columbus Zoo in Ohio.
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.
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