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Jack Hanna Biography

TV Personality / Zoologist

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Jack Hanna is a media savvy zoologist who makes frequent appearances on television talk shows and hosts his own syndicated series, Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures. Hanna got his start in the zoo business in Florida, but made his name as the director of Ohio's Columbus Zoo, a post he held from 1978 to 1992. Hanna turned the rundown zoo into a nationally recognized attraction, in part through appearances on the TV shows of David Letterman and Larry King. After leaving his post as director, he was named Director Emeritus and embarked on a television career. His series, which explores animal stories all over the world, has been on the air since 1997. Hanna has also published several books, including the autobiographical Monkeys on the Interstate (1988) and the children's book Let's Go to the Petting Zoo with Jungle Jack (1991).

Extra credit: Hanna has been accused by animal rights organizations of exploiting animals to advance his career... In 1995 a baby cougar, brought by Hanna to a public appearance, bit politician Newt Gingrich on the chin.