Posted By Ken Storey on Wed, Apr 14, 2021 at 3:05 PM click to enlarge Photo via SeaWorld Many know Jack Hanna from his television appearances, but his connections run deeper in Central Florida. After a long career that saw him exploring some of the most remote parts of the planet and helping revolutionize modern zoological facilities, Hanna’s family confirmed he was retiring from public life due to struggles with dementia. In a letter shared by the family, they explained that his condition, believed to be Alzheimer’s disease, has progressed faster than anticipated over the past few months. Hanna made a name for himself while leading the Columbus Zoo, where he served as the Executive Director for fourteen years and remained active until his retirement last year. Before moving to Ohio, Hanna worked at the Central Florida Zoological Park in Sanford.