Celebrity zookeeper and conservationist Jack Hanna has been diagnosed with dementia, his said family Wednesday. The former director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is retiring from public life.
Hanna’s three daughters – Kathaleen, Suzanne and Julie – announced their 74-year-old father’s diagnosis in a letter on social media. Doctors believe his condition, which has progressed much faster than expected, is Alzheimer’s disease.
“Even though my father can no longer travel and work in the same way, we know that his infectious enthusiasm has touched many hearts and will continue to be his legacy,” wrote his daughters.
Hanna, also known as “ Jungle Jack, ” became a noted nature expert through his work as director of the Columbus Zoo – a position he held from 1978 to 1992 – and through his frequent media appearances on late night talk shows, where he introduced the animals he worked with regularly presented to the public.
“Dad was in touch with millions of households through his media appearances and weekly television shows – including Animal Adventures, Into the Wild and Wild Countdown,” the sisters wrote. “This allowed him to create an unparalleled level of awareness about the importance of global conservation, given the unrelenting pressure on the natural environment.”
Credit to: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The letter also highlighted Julie Hanna’s “ongoing lifelong challenges from her childhood leukemia as she is currently recovering from major surgery.”
The family asked for privacy and understanding because of that COVID-19 restrictions, and the sisters added, “Ironically given Dad’s love of interacting with people.”
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where Hanna was director emeritus until he stepped down last December, also shared the letterand stated that it respected the family’s wishes for privacy.
“While Jack retired from his official position in late 2020, his legacy will always be present in our work as we continue to fulfill our organization’s mission to lead and inspire by interacting with people and wildlife. connect, ”the organization told CBS News.