{"id":14925,"date":"2017-12-04T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-04T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/?p=14925"},"modified":"2021-05-05T14:39:27","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T18:39:27","slug":"jack-hanna","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allamericanspeakers.com\/blog\/jack-hanna\/","title":{"rendered":"Jack Hanna: Zoologist, Conservationist, Educator"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Zoo animals are ambassadors for their cousins in the wild.”<\/em><\/h2>\n

Jack Hanna<\/a> is an animal advocate and the beloved host of Jack Hanna\u2019s Animal Adventures, Jack Hanna\u2019s Into the Wild, and Jack Hanna\u2019s Wild Countdown<\/em>.\u00a0 A true naturalist, with an innate sense of adventure, Hanna charms animals and humans alike with his knowledge and compassion.<\/p>\n

Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Hanna obtained his bachelor\u2019s degree in business- and then started his own.\u00a0 He opened a pet shop and petting zoo with his wife, Suzi.\u00a0 His passion for animals was always apparent, from his first job cleaning animal cages at a mere eleven years old.\u00a0 While he ran his store, Hanna also directed a zoo in Florida until their family decided to move to Columbus, Ohio for a job opportunity.<\/p>\n

Breaking Down the Cages<\/h3>\n

In 1978, Hanna became Director of the Columbus Zoo<\/a>.\u00a0 He made immediate changes to the outdated zoo, starting with the small animal enclosures.\u00a0 Seeing that the gorillas were kept inside, unlike their familiar open habitat, he opted to create a more natural space for them outside.\u00a0 When the primates first touched the grass and began to play, Hanna states it was one of the best moments in his career.\u00a0 He also started providing educational and entertaining events at the zoo, increasing the attendance exponentially with time.\u00a0 His years of dedication at the Columbus Zoo has made the zoo a landmark, with ample revenue to provide animals with the best care and facilities.<\/p>\n

Educating the World<\/h3>\n

He served in this capacity until 1992 when he became the Emeritus Director.\u00a0 This new role allows time for his television shows and guest appearances, such as his frequent segments with David Letterman<\/a>.\u00a0 Hanna first appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman in 1985 and became a regular until Letterman\u2019s retirement. \u00a0In addition, he has appeared on Larry King<\/a> Live<\/em>, FOX News<\/em>, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show<\/em>, among others.\u00a0 He worked on the documentary Gorillas on the Brink<\/em> with actress Natalie Portman<\/a>, traveling to Rwanda\u2019s Volcanoes National Park to visit endangered mountain gorillas.<\/p>\n

When he is not working on television and film, Hanna stays busy.\u00a0 He has authored books, including his memoir, Jungle Jack: My Wild Life <\/em>and animal books for children<\/a>, such as Jack Hanna\u2019s Big Book of Why: Amazing Animal Facts and Photos.\u00a0 <\/em>He is philanthropic, giving to the Leukemia Society- a charity supported by many celebrities, including Lady Antebellum<\/a>, Martina McBride<\/a>, and Charles Esten<\/a>.\u00a0 He also supports the Easter Seals and wildlife conservation.<\/p>\n

A voice for the animals, Jack Hanna has spent his life protecting animals and promoting education to increase empathy around the world.\u00a0 Hanna is a selfless ambassador whose enthusiasm for animals is contagious.<\/p>\n