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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