By the Associated Press and KFDI News:
The family of celebrity zookeeper and TV show host Jack Hanna said he’s been diagnosed with dementia and will retire from public life.
In a news release Wednesday, his family said it’s believed he now has Alzheimer’s disease that has progressed quickly in the last few months.
The 74-year-old Hanna was director of the Columbus Zoo from 1978 to 1992 and still serves as its director emeritus. Hanna is also well-known for his live animal demonstrations on late-night talk shows, as well as his own syndicated television shows. His entertainment work boosted the profile of the Ohio zoo, leading to massive attendance increases over the years.
Hanna has also been involved with Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, and he has showcased some of the animals from the park in his TV programs.
[ photo: Jack Hanna’s Into The Wild – Facebook ]
