Jack Hanna.Photo: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Jack Hanna, who gained national recognition for his love of animals as the director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, has been diagnosed with dementia, now thought to be Alzheimer’s, his family announced on Wednesday.
“His condition has progressed much faster in the last few months than any of us could have anticipated,” Hanna’s daughters shared in the letter. “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.”
Jack Hanna.John Paul Filo/CBS via Getty
In May 2018, Hanna received the Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award for his work in conservation at the Los Angeles Zoo’s annual Beastly Ball.
“A passion for wildlife conservation and education has been at the core of who our dad is and everything he has accomplished with the help of so many,” Hanna’s daughters wrote in their letter. “He has spent his life connecting people and wildlife because he has always believed that having people see and experience animals is key to engaging them in more impactful conservation efforts.”
They continued, “Even though Dad is no longer able to travel and work in the same way, we know that his infectious enthusiasm has touched many hearts and will continue to be his legacy.”
Jack Hanna.Steve Fenn /Walt Disney Television via Getty
The letter also revealed that Julie is battling “life-long continued challenges” from her childhood leukemia and is currently recovering from major surgery. The sisters' asked for privacy for their family, which they noted “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.”
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Jack Hanna.Walt Disney Television via Getty
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
source: people.com
