Zookeeper ‘Jungle Jack’ Hanna No Longer Recognizes His Family: ‘The Jack People Knew Isn’t Here Anymore’

Jack Hanna spent his life fighting for animals, building the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and appearing on several talk shows to teach people about wildlife. With several award-winning animal shows to help people understand the importance of the natural world, Hanna has been a source of great entertainment and education.

The beloved zookeeper spent his life informing others about the creatures he adores, but in his old age, Hanna has had trouble recalling the meaningful life he has led. In 2019, the zookeeper was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, an illness that has robbed him of his memory in his old age.

Once a smiling Tennessee local with an endless supply of amusing anecdotes and a trademark leather outback hat, Hanna has experienced an increasing amount of Alzheimer’s symptoms. At 76, after four years of battling the disease, Hanna has been left with few memories of his past life, with his wife remarking, “The Hanna people knew isn’t here anymore.”

Hanna’s family has also publicly thanked everyone who has sent in messages of appreciation and well-wishes.

Hanna’s Alzheimer’s has progressed so far that he struggles to recognize his own family. These days, he spends most of his time with his beloved wife, Suzi Egli, and their adorable dog, Brassy. Sometimes, he remembers his daughter, Kathaleen, when she travels from England to help care for her dear dad.

Jack Hanna’s Legacy and His Support System

The beloved zookeeper’s condition has not gone unnoticed. The current CEO of Columbus Zoo, Tom Schmid, thanked Hanna’s family for sharing news about his health. Hanna’s daughter spoke about how difficult it was for her father, “He lived in fear the public would find out.”

Schmid also lauded Hanna for the years of dedication he put into the zoo, noting that it wouldn’t have been what it is today without his ceaseless efforts. To show Hanna and his family how much he meant to countless American families, the Columbus Zoo has set up a green mailbox where guests can deposit notes to Hanna.

Hanna’s family has also publicly thanked everyone who has sent in messages of appreciation and well-wishes. They confessed that the support has helped them all through this difficult time. Although they appreciate the notes, they also thanked people for allowing them their privacy, writing in a public message:

“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. We have been so grateful for your kind messages, words of support, and the privacy you have afforded our family.”

Much like other famous faces with neurodegenerative diseases, like Michael J. Fox, Hanna greatly relies on his family’s support. His wife spoke out about looking after him, remarking with love, “It’s hard. Real hard some days. But he took care of me all those years, and so it’s my turn to take care of him.”