FILE - Wildlife advocate Jack Hanna poses for a portrait with a serval cub in New York on Oct. 12, 2015. The family of celebrity zookeeper and TV show host Jack Hanna said he's been diagnosed with dementia and will retire from public life. (Photo by Dan Hallman/Invision/AP, file)
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - 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.
'œDad advocated for improved wildlife habitats and focused on connecting the community with animals,'ť the statement signed by his three daughters said. Hanna continued to be a spokesperson for the Ohio zoo until he retired in 2020.
Hanna is also well-known for his live animal demonstrations on talk shows hosted by Johnny Carson, David Letterman and James Corden, increasing the profile of the Columbus Zoo and leading to massive attendance increases over the years.
Hanna, who always wore khakis on every television appearance and in photos, hosted the popular syndicated TV show 'œJack Hanna's Animal Adventures'ť from 1993 to 2008. He also hosted 'œJack Hanna's Into the Wild,'ť which started in 2007, and 'œJack Hanna's Wild Countdown" until last year.
'œWhile Dad's health has deteriorated quickly, we can assure you that his great sense of humor continues to shine through,'ť the statement said. 'œAnd yes, he still wears his khakis at home.'ť
His family asked for privacy in light of COVID-19 restrictions.
'œHe has 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 conversations," his family said. 'œEven 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.'ť
FILE-In this file photo from Sept. 5, 2013, Jack Hanna stands at the front entrance of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio. The family of the celebrity zookeeper and frequent talk-show guest said Wednesday, April 7, he's been diagnosed with dementia and will retire from public life. His family said in a news release it's believed he now has Alzheimer's disease and it has progressed very quickly in the last few months. The 74-year-old Hanna was director of the Columbus Zoo from 1978 to 1992. (Tom Dodge/The Columbus Dispatch via AP, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - Wildlife advocate Jack Hanna poses for a portrait with a snow leopard cub in New York on Oct. 12, 2015. The family of celebrity zookeeper and TV show host Jack Hanna said he's been diagnosed with dementia and will retire from public life. (Photo by Dan Hallman/Invision/AP, file)
The Associated Press
FILE - Wildlife advocate Jack Hanna poses for a portrait with a cheetah cub in New York on Oct. 12, 2015. The family of celebrity zookeeper and TV show host Jack Hanna said he's been diagnosed with dementia and will retire from public life. (Photo by Dan Hallman/Invision/AP, file)
The Associated Press
FILE-This file photo from May 22, 2014, shows Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, right, Betty White, actress and longtime animal advocate at the grand opening of the Heart of Africa exhibit at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium in Powell, Ohio. Hanna's family said Wednesday, April 7, that the celebrity zookeeper and frequent talk-show guest has been diagnosed with dementia and will retire from public life. In a news release they said it's believed he now has Alzheimer's disease and it has progressed very quickly in the last few months. The 74-year-old Hanna was director of the Columbus Zoo from 1978 to 1992. (Jonathan Quilter/The Columbus Dispatch via AP, File)
The Associated Press