
Jack Hanna
Naturalist, Adventurer and Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo
Jack Hanna, animal celebrity and zookeeper extraordinaire. Hanna revolutionized zoo habitats for animals by transitioning the Columbus Zoo from cage-like enclosures to “habitat environments” during his tenure there as zoo director. Hanna, of course, is also the host of various TV shows, programs and a frequent talk show guest. As a child, Jack spent his…
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Full Bio
Jack Hanna, animal celebrity and zookeeper extraordinaire. Hanna revolutionized zoo habitats for animals by transitioning the Columbus Zoo from cage-like enclosures to “habitat environments” during his tenure there as zoo director. Hanna, of course, is also the host of various TV shows, programs and a frequent talk show guest.
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.
Testimonials
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LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
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.
Videos
A Night With Jungle Jack Hanna at Barton Community College
Books
News
Testimonials
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