Zookeeper Jack Hanna to retire after dementia diagnosis

“His condition has progressed much faster in the last few months than any of us could have anticipated,” Kathaleen, Suzanne, and Julie Hanna wrote in the letter posted to social media. “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.”

APRIL, THE GIRAFFE KNOWN FOR VIRAL 2017 PREGNANCY, DIES

The letter also revealed that Julie Hanna, one of the zookeeper’s daughters who has suffered a lifelong battle with leukemia, is recovering after major surgery.

Jack Hanna, 74, was director of the Columbus Zoo in Columbus, Ohio, from 1978 to 1992. Known as “Jungle Jack,” he continued to serve as director emeritus after his retirement, and he was a frequent guest on television shows, teaching audiences about wild animals. He also created television programs of his own, such as Into the Wild, Animal Adventures, and Wild Countdown.

The Columbus Zoo shared a statement of support for the Hanna family with the Washington Examiner, saying that Hanna’s legacy will be “ever-present” in the zoo’s work.

“We are saddened by the latest news of Jungle Jack’s dementia diagnosis, now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease, and Julie’s health complications that were shared today in the heartfelt letter written by Jack’s daughters,” the zoo said. “The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, along with Safari Golf Club, The Wilds and Zoombezi Bay family, support the Hanna family. … As such, we respect the Hanna family’s wishes for privacy as they manage their loved ones’ care. Please join us in sending messages of support for the Hannas during this difficult time.”

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The zookeeper’s three daughters are asking for privacy at this time, which they note “is ironic given [their] dad’s love of interacting with people.”