Jack Hanna’s Family Thanks Fans For ‘Kind Messages’ Amid Alzheimers Battle
By Movieguide® Contributor
The Columbus Zoo has set up a way for fans to send messages of encouragement to Jack Hanna as he battles Alzheimer’s disease.
Hanna, the longtime director of the Columbus Zoo, became a public figure after appearing on various talk shows to show off animals and promote the zoo. He retired as director in 1992.
He withdrew as director emeritus in 2020, and the following year, announced he would be pulling back from public life, as he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Today, he is being cared for by wife Suzi. The couple share three daughters: Kathaleen, Suzanne, and Julie.
“While Dad/Jack is still mobile, his mind fails him, the light in his eyes has dimmed, and we miss who he was each and every moment of the day,” a tweet posted to Hanna’s social media page read. “We have been so grateful for your kind messages, words of support, and the privacy you have afforded our family over the last 2+ years.”
Those messages of support are sent to the family via a mailbox at the Columbus Zoo, as well as an email account, info@jackhanna.com.
Movieguide® previously reported on Hanna’s diagnosis:
Renowned zookeeper Jack Hanna, who made frequent appearances on TV, announced his retirement from public life due to dementia.
“Doctors have diagnosed our dad, Jack Hanna, with dementia, now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease,” Hanna’s family wrote on Twitter. “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, where people all over the world watched, learned and laughed alongside him.”
The statement also honored Hanna’s wife, Suzi, who “has been by his side for 53 years in every corner of the world.”
“While Dad’s health has deteriorated quickly, we can assure you that his great sense of humor continues to shine through. And yes – he still wears his khakis at home,” the statement reads. “To keep everyone safe in light of COVID-19 restrictions, we are asking for privacy, which is ironic given Dad’s love of interacting with people. We are grateful that the many hearts he’s touched over the years are with him during this journey, which gives us strength.”
