# Jack Hanna zookeeper and wildlife conservationist retiring from public life (illness)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-hanna-zookeeper-and-wildlife-conservationist-retiring-from-public-life-illness/939587>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [April 8, 2021, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-hanna-zookeeper-and-wildlife-conservationist-retiring-from-public-life-illness/939587 "2021-04-08T03:04:36Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2021, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-hanna-zookeeper-and-wildlife-conservationist-retiring-from-public-life-illness/939587/1 "2021-04-08T03:04:36Z")

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Jack Hanna appeared on many talk shows. He always brought interesting animals to show. I remember his appearances on Johnny Carson Tonight Show and David Letterman.

Jack had several shows, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures (1992-2008), ZooLife with Jack Hanna (1992-94), Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild (2007-), and Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown (2011-).

He was Director of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for many years.

Jack is 76 and suffering from dementia. He’s withdrawing from public life.

Sending prayers and best wishes to Jack and his family at this very difficult time. He has a wife and three daughters.

> **[Jack Hanna, beloved animal expert, stepping away because of dementia | CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/07/entertainment/jack-hanna-dementia/index.html)**
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> 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.

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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2021, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-hanna-zookeeper-and-wildlife-conservationist-retiring-from-public-life-illness/939587/2 "2021-04-08T03:15:10Z")

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This local article has a lot of information about Jack Hanna’s career and family. Jack’s had a very rich and rewarding life.

Dementia/alzheimer’s is such a horrifying disease. I often think of Glen Campbell’s last years.

> **[Jack Hanna, Columbus Zoo's Director Emeritus, has dementia, his daughters say](https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/04/07/jack-hanna-diagnosed-dementia-alzheimer-his-daughters-say/7123703002/)**
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> Jack Hanna's daughters say their dad is unable to participate in public life as he once did as his condition has severely worsened in the last few months.

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**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2021, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-hanna-zookeeper-and-wildlife-conservationist-retiring-from-public-life-illness/939587/3 "2021-04-08T14:40:56Z")

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Heard this a little earlier this morning and actually got a little weepy. I’ve always loved Jack. What a lovely soul. He’s always kind of reminded me of my own sweet, slightly goofy dad who also fell victim to that mthr fcking disease. My heart goes out to him and his loved ones.