Jack Hanna Speaker Biography
Animal Expert, Conservationist & Director Emeritus of
The Columbus Zoo
As a child, Jack spent his days cleaning animal cages for his local veterinarian and exploring the creek behind his house. Today, Jack Hanna explores the corners of the globe as one of the most visible and respected animal ambassadors in the world. His enthusiasm and “hands-on” approach to wildlife conservation has won him widespread acclaim as an author, television personality, conservationist, and director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
America’s Favorite Zookeeper
Recognized around the country as America’s favorite zookeeper, Jack has made countless television appearances since 1983 on shows such as Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Fox News Programs, and The Late Show with David Letterman.
Television
Hanna took his infectious energy to the airwaves by creating his own nationally syndicated television programs, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures and Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild. Into the Wild is unscripted and action-packed as Jack and his family explore the corners of the globe and discover amazing animals and cultures. In its first season, Into the Wild won an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Series. His newest show, Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown, airs on Saturday mornings on ABC affiliates around the country.
Affiliations
Jack and his TV crew have had the privilege to travel to Africa more than forty times and visit each continent at least twice. Although he has explored many fascinating cultures and animals throughout his travels, the country that has truly captured his heart is Rwanda. There he has experienced the thrill of observing the magnificent mountain gorillas, while also spending time with many people in the community. Jack is proud to support a number of Rwandan wildlife and humanitarian organizations including the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project and Partner In Conservation. He is also an active supporter of the Leukemia Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, to name a few.
Books
As an author, Jack’s timeless tales continue to captivate audiences of every generation. In September 2008, Jack released an autobiography, Jack Hanna: My Wild Life. He also released another book in his children’s series, Passport Into the Wild.
Jack and his wife Suzi have three daughters and several grandchildren together. In their free time they love spending as much time as they can with their family. Whatever Jack’s role, he will always be an adventurer at heart, never hesitating to jump at the chance to travel, explore, and generate support for the animal world.
Jack Hanna Speaking Topics
An Evening with Jack Hanna
In his popular live presentations, Jack Hanna uses his special window into the animal world to shares 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, Jack'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, Jack Hanna's presentations can also be customized to specific groups.