Jack Hanna Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

Jack Hanna        

Naturalist, Adventurer & Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo

Jack Hanna, popular host of the hit television series, Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures, is one of America's most beloved naturalists and adventurers. Each week, Hanna takes millions of family viewers on exciting journeys to learn about animals and the places they live. What makes the series a success to a broad segment of viewers is Hanna's enthusiasm and wonderment with every new creature and experience he encounters. No intellectual pomp or indifference here Jack Hanna is "every person's" television zoologist.

Hanna began to receive national attention after he became Director of the rundown Columbus Zoo in Columbus, Ohio in 1978. He not only transformed the zoo into a model facility, but through his media savvy, made the Columbus Zoo a household name. He is a regular guest on shows including Good Morning America, Larry King Live, The Late Show With David Letterman, Hollywood Squares and The Maury Povich Show. He also makes countless personal appearances and speeches throughout the U.S.

The route to becoming a national celebrity began in his family's bathtub in Knoxville, Tennessee where he raised bluegills and then extended his menagerie to their backyard. After majoring in business in college, Hanna, with support from his wife, Suzi, started a pet shop and petting zoo, worked for a wildlife adventure company and directed a small Florida zoo. The couple's subsequent move to Columbus (with their three daughters) was the start of Hanna's rising media star. Not only was he a regular on national talk shows, his autobiographical book, Monkeys on the Interstate, was a hit in 1989. Other books, including one for children, Let's Go To The Petting Zoo With Jungle Jack, followed.

The natural progression for someone with Hanna's knowledge of animals and the wild, along with his media popularity was to have his own show, Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures. It now reaches 95% of U.S. television households every weekend and is viewed in over 60 countries worldwide. Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo since 1993, he still remains active in the zoo and his community.

Hanna is a Professional Fellow of the American Zoo & Aquarium Association and a member of the Explorer's Club. He is also an active supporter of Easter Seals and the Leukemia Society and serves on the boards of several educational institutions. While he takes all of his civic responsibilities seriously, he maintains that wildlife conservation is his true calling.

Speech Topics


An Evening with "Jungle Jack" Hanna

In his popular presentations, Jack Hanna uses his special window into the animal world to share his globetrotting experiences and timeless tales. Highlighting his many adventures with a mix of video clips, introducing animals to audience members, and telling inspirational stories that deal with issues of conservation, travel, and wildlife, Hanna's fascinating stories have been thrilling and educating audiences across the country for years. Showcasing his dynamic stage presence and his undeniable and infectious love of animals, his presentations can also be customized to specific groups.

News


Jack Hanna battling dementia, retiring at 74
The family of Columbus Zoo's "Jungle Jack" Hanna, 74, has announced his retirement amid a diagnosis of dementia.
'Jungle Jack' Hanna getting wild with Winn-Dixie
Celebrity animal expert Jack Hanna is backing a new animal trading card program launched by Winn-Dixie supermarkets this week that teaches kids and adults about wildlife.
Jack Hanna Celebrates 30th Anniversary With 'GMA' | Video - ABC ...
Director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo shares his most memorable moments on " Good Morning America."
Cute Animals: Jack Hanna Brings Baby Bear to 'GMA' | Video - ABC ...
dropped by and introduced josh and lara to adorable baby animals. Our great friend, some say torment, of "good morning america," jack hanna joins us this ...
Jack Hanna on "Blackfish" – Anderson Cooper 360 - CNN.com Blogs
Jack Hanna is the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo. He makes the case for Sea World's care of their orcas. He says the people who work at the parks "love ...

Related Speakers View all


More like Jack