Jack Hanna, a famous zookeeper and Wildlife expert known as” Jungle Jack,” has been out of the public eye, leaving many curious about where he is and what he is doing.

The beloved former zookeeper, animal expert, and television personality jack hanna is alive, but he is now facing a challenging journey with Alzheimer’s disease. His family has spoken about the difficult experience, describing it as a “long goodbye.” In this new blog, we have gathered all the information about his health & disease.

But first, let’s have a sneak peek of his early life,

The Early Life and Childhood of Jack Hanna

John Bushnell Hanna, widely known, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on January 2, 1947. From a young age, Jack was surrounded by animals and nature, experiences that would shape his future career and passion.

Growing up, Jack lived on a farm, a setting that offered him his first close encounters with animals. At just five years old, he was already involved in farm duties such as milking cows and tending to various animals. These early responsibilities instilled in him a deep love and respect for animals.

Jack’s animal passion was further nurtured during his first job with Dr. Warren Roberts, the veterinarian at Knoxville Zoo and Knoxville Animal Clinic. Though it was an unpaid summer position, Jack was eager to work, clean cages, and learn about animal care. This experience solidified his dedication to working with animals. By the age of eleven, Jack knew that his future would be dedicated to the animal kingdom.

Jack Hanna And His Contribution To Wildlife:

Jack Hanna, renowned for his passion for wildlife conservation and education, has significantly contributed over decades. As director of the Zoo Columbus and Aquarium for more than 30 years, he transformed it into a global conservation hub, focusing on breeding endangered species and conducting vital research. 

Through television appearances and his show, “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” he brought wildlife into homes worldwide, inspiring care for animals and their habitats. Hanna’s advocacy extended globally, promoting wildlife protection legislation and conservation initiatives. His work emphasised biodiversity’s beauty and the urgency of sustainable practices. 

What Happened to Jack Hanna?

In recent updates, the family of wildlife expert Jack Hanna has shared insights into his health journey, revealing the progression of his Alzheimer’s disease.

 Two years ago, the diagnosis became public, shedding light on a condition that had been quietly affecting him since at least 2017. Despite his storied career at the Columbus Zoo spanning over four decades, Hanna’s declining health led to his retirement, a decision he made reluctantly as the symptoms became more pronounced.

According to an interview with The Columbus Dispatch, Jack Hanna’s wife, Suzi Egli, disclosed that he now struggles to recognize most of his family members. However, there are fleeting moments when he remembers his wife and occasionally his eldest daughter, Kathaleen Hanna. Reflecting on their decision to go public with his diagnosis in 2021, Kathaleen Hanna explained that her father initially insisted on keeping his condition private, fearing it would threaten his career and legacy.

Despite the challenges, Egli expressed determination in caring for her husband, emphasizing the enduring qualities that endeared him to his admirers worldwide. She underscored the emotional difficulty of witnessing his decline yet affirmed her commitment to reciprocate the care he had shown her throughout their years together.

How Is He Doing Now?

Many of Jack Hanna’s fans and loved ones are concerned and wondering if Jack Hanna has passed away, as there has been no recent news about him. 

His family then recently revealed that he is battling with the disease. They sadly revealed that he no longer recognizes most loved ones, a heartbreaking development. His condition has deteriorated rapidly in recent months, far exceeding their expectations.

Having retired from public life in 2021, Jack now lives with his wife, Suzy, in Bigfork, Montana.

In sharing their story, Hanna’s family hopes to offer support to others grappling with Alzheimer’s, letting them know they are not facing this journey alone.