Lions, Tigers, and Bears!

“I always saw potential for humor in animals. I loved them, and I was always telling stories about them…” (4).

The Book

For many, the name Jack Hanna is synonymous with the Columbus Zoo and the world of animals. Hanna’s autobiography, Jungle Jack: Into the Wild, presents a humble man who loved his family and animals.

Hanna’s family moved to a farm outside Knoxville, TN when he was five years old. This cemented his early love for animals and led to a summer job with a local veterinarian at the age of 11. Hanna was able to ride along with the vet when he cared for the animals at the Knoxville Zoo, planting seeds for the future. Despite struggling in school, Hanna did enjoy his college speech class and graduated, planning to be a zookeeper.

During the 1970s, Hanna and his wife Suzi, bounced around the south working at zoos or as exotic animal caretakers. They had three daughters, who became just as enthralled with animals as their parents. In 1978, 31-year-old Hanna was hired as the director of the Columbus Zoo, despite the board’s concern with his youth and inexperience. Hanna dived into the opportunity, focusing on energizing the employees and improving the zoo through natural habitats for the animals and creating a relationship with the community. As director, Hanna served as an ambassador, appearing on Good Morning America and the David Letterman Show. Later, he had his own TV shows – Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures and Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild – these often included his family.

Jungle Jack: Into the Wild is a lot of fun to read, especially if you love animals. It feels like you are sitting in Hanna’s living room, listening to him reflect on his life. The animal stories made me laugh out loud, cringe, or warmed my heart. There are two sections of color photos and black and white photos sprinkled throughout; they highlight the Hanna family and numerous animal experiences. Hanna is quick to give credit to those who provided him support and encouragement and emphasizes the need to treat wild animals with respect. Hanna also editorializes, explaining how practices have changed over time. He clearly states why he feels zoos are important: they aid in conservation efforts and the animals act as ambassadors for those in the wild.

The Place

It’s hard to be bored at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, with numerous animals to see in action, exhibits to explore, and amusement rides. As you plan your trip, make sure to check out the special animal encounters or events that are happening.

I have visited twice, both in the winter. First, a friend and I visited on a chilly December day. We spent the day in the Zoo, wandering through well marked areas that grouped animals by their native lands. The Zoo has done a fantastic job mimicking the natural habitats of animals, allowing visitors to see them “in the wild”. Some of my favorites included the baby elephant, penguins, and polar bears. The manatee exhibit is unique because the goal is to rehabilitate and send the manatees back to Florida. In the evening, we had fun at Wildlights, the holiday light show. The Zoo is decked out in Christmas lights, some animals remain active, and there are musical light shows. The second time I visited, it was just in the evening, for the Wildlights. My friend and I were there on a Friday night, which is typically busy. However, the below freezing temperature kept the crowds away.

The Zoo is open every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, from 9am to 5pm. Hours do vary in the winter months and on weekends. Day passes must be purchased, or you can buy a membership. There is a large parking lot, with a fee per car. The Zoo can be crowded during special events or nice weather. If you don’t mind the rain or cold, it might be a good idea to go when you can avoid crowds.