Jungle Jack Hanna is bringing his (live) animal pals and adventure stories to Whitewater High School Gymnasium for one performance on August 29, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. Recognized around the country as America’s favorite zookeeper, Jack has made countless appearances on television shows, revealing his irrepressible verve and enthusiasm with his wild companions on Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Animal expert “Jungle Jack” is one of the most visible and respected ambassadors between the human and animal worlds. His hands-on approach and insight into the public’s appreciation of wildlife have won him widespread popular acclaim as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, conservationist, author, television personality, and lifelong adventurer.
Hanna’s passion for wildlife stems from his early childhood. Having cultivated a love for animals on the family farm, Jack spent his teenage summers helping the local veterinarian by cleaning animal cages. After graduating from Muskingum College, Jack and his wife, college sweetheart Suzi, opened Pet Kingdom, a successful pet store and petting zoo. From there it was only a few years until Jack became director of the Central Florida Zoo.
Jungle Jack took flight in 1978 when he received the opportunity of a lifetime: directorship of the struggling Columbus Zoo in Ohio. Under Hanna’s dynamic direction, the zoo transformed from a floundering establishment into the state-of-the-art zoo it is today.
Further capitalizing on his media savvy, Jack has taken his ineffable passion to the airwaves through his own very successful television program, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures. Airing since 1993, the show now reaches 96% of U.S. television households every weekend. In 2007 Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild, Jack’s new TV series, started airing in syndication. Jack and his family take viewers all over the world to visit amazing animals and fascinating cultures.
Hanna will appear Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 6 p.m. at the Whitewater High School Gymnasium. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for Children 12 and under, students with a valid ID and seniors 55 and older. Advance ticket sales will be available for Downtown Whitewater volunteers starting June 28, and tickets for the general public will go on sale July 12. Tickets will be available at GMA Printing, Sweetspot Coffee Shoppe and Quiet Hut Sports.
More about Hanna is available at his website, www.jackhanna.com. At the Columbus Zoo website, Hanna has an interactive animal guide with information about interesting animals at the zoo.