COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jack Hanna's family announced earlier this week that the beloved zookeeper's health continues to decline due to symptoms of advanced Alzheimer's disease. To honor the former Columbus Zoo and Aquarium director, the zoo continues to collect letters from fans in a mailbox at the zoo's entrance.
His family recently told media about the decline of his health in a statement. The following statement was released to 10TV:
“We wish we had good news to share, but Jack continues to decline and has all the symptoms one would anticipate with advanced Alzheimer’s. Each day, we do our best to find joy – even when things are challenging. We hope that sharing Jack’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings awareness to the disease that affects almost 7 million Americans and their families.”
In April 2021, Jack’s family announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia and that he would retire from public life. His condition quickly worsened to his having Alzheimer’s.
Hanna, 77, became director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 1978. For decades, Jack Hanna used his unique personality to put the zoo into the national spotlight, appearing countless times on talk shows with animals by his side.
His family chose to disclose his health condition to help raise awareness for the 6.7 million people afflicted with the disease in the United States.
“We are so grateful for the love, support, and privacy Central Ohio has shown to Jack and our family since his diagnosis. Jack cherished this community, the Zoo, and The Wilds. Our thoughts are with the many families also impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.”
Fans of Jack Hanna are encouraged to continue writing letters and cards for the family.
There is a green mailbox with a rhino on the front inside guest relations at the zoo' entrance.
People close to the Hanna family saying going to the mailbox is one of Jack’s daily activities he enjoys.
You can also email your words of encouragement to info@jackhanna.com.