Jack Hanna to withdraw from public life after Alzheimer's diagnosis

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Jack Hanna to withdraw from public life after Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Ohio Headlines / 3 seconds ago

by: NBC4 Staff

Posted: Apr 7, 2021 / 01:16 PM EDT / Updated: Apr 7, 2021 / 01:33 PM EDT

COLUMBUS (WCMH) — The family of Jack Hanna announced Wednesday that the former Columbus Zoo director will no longer be able to participate in public life after a dementia diagnosis.

Hanna’s family revealed the diagnosis in a letter posted on social media Tuesday.

“Doctors have diagnosed our dad. Jack Hanna, with dementia, now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease,” the letter read. “His condition has progressed much faster in the last few months than any of us could have anticipated. Sadly. Dad is no longer able to participate in public life as he used to.”

Hanna, 74, was credited with making the Columbus Zoo nationally known during his time as its director from 1978 to ’92, becoming a familiar face on national television in the process. He moved into an emeritus role before announcing his retirement at the end of 2020.

Hanna was born in Tennessee and came to Ohio in 1965 to attend Muskingum University. He met his wife, Suzi, there, and they married in 1968.

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[Darwins_Retriever]

1. My wife and I used go see him every year

He would host a night time safari at Bush Gardens in Tampa. He always had great stories.

[FalloutShelter]

2. Some Jack Hanna memories. Watch to the end... hysterical.

[hlthe2b]

3. Oh, I find this extremely sad. Damned Alzheimer's and related dementias.

So damned cruel.

Wishing for the best for Hanna...

[keithsw]

4. Awww...

This makes me sad. I used to take trips to the Cincinnati and Columbus Zoo's and see him when we lived in Ohio

[wendyb-NC]

5. That's so sad,

Alzheimer's is a such a terrible disease.