Entertainment

Jack Hanna, beloved animal expert, battling dementia

April 7, 2021. Summarized by summa-bot.

Compression ratio: 65.2%. 1 min read.

<<enter caption here>> on June 15, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.

Jack Hanna, an animal and wildlife expert who became famous after his many TV appearances, is retiring from public life due to dementia, his family announced Wednesday.

(CNN)Jack Hanna, an animal and wildlife expert who became famous after his many TV appearances, is retiring from public life due to dementia, his family announced Wednesday.

"Doctors have diagnosed our dad, Jack Hanna, with dementia, now believed to be Alzheimer's disease," Hanna's family wrote in a statement posted to his verified Twitter account.

"Jungle" Jack Hanna and his animals became a staple on late-night and daytime TV, thanks to his many appearances on shows like "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," "Late night with David Letterman" and "Today. "

Those appearances landed Hanna his own shows, including" Animal Adventures," "Into the Wild" and "Wild Countdown. "

The now 76-year-old reportedly retired from serving as director and then director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in December 2020 after 42 years.

"The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has been a major part of our lives since we moved to Central Ohio as young girls in 1978," his daughters wrote in their statement.

"From day one, Dad advocated for improved wildlife habitats and focused on connecting the community with animals.

After he left his active management role as Executive Director in 1992, he continued to be a spokesperson for the zoo until his retirement last year. "

The statement paid tribute to his wife Suzi, who "has been by his side for 53 years in every corner of the world" and Hanna's love for the community at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Suggestions

Latest

In this category