Renowned zoologist and beloved animal TV show host, Jack Hanna, has been facing a difficult journey since his diagnosis of dementia in October 2019. Despite his initial desire for his condition to remain private, the 76-year-old’s health has significantly declined, leaving him unable to comprehend that he now suffers from Alzheimer’s. This heartbreaking reality has also led to the point where he can no longer recognize most of his own family members.
Jack Hanna is widely celebrated for his remarkable career as an animal expert, where he passionately educated audiences about the importance of conservation. Notably, he has received five Daytime Emmy Awards, showcasing his dedication and expertise. Although symptoms began surfacing as early as 2017, Jack’s official diagnosis came in 2019. Today, his family shares that he only sporadically recognizes his wife, Suzi, his loyal dog Brassy, and occasionally his eldest daughter, Kathaleen.
In April 2021, Jack Hanna’s family had no choice but to disclose his dementia diagnosis to the public. Around the same time, he retired from public life and was honored with the title of director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo. This decision to reveal his condition was largely influenced by the release of a documentary called “The Conservation Game,” which unfortunately tarnished Jack’s reputation and strong connection with the zoo due to its controversial portrayal of “animal prisons.” As Jack’s condition prevented him from addressing this matter on his own, his family felt compelled to inform the public about his declining health in order to protect his invaluable legacy.
During an interview with the Columbus Dispatch, Jack Hanna’s wife, Suzi, shared her heartache over breaking the promise she made to her husband to keep his condition a secret. She expressed the immense pain it caused her but acknowledged the necessity of their decision given the circumstances. Suzi also spoke lovingly about the man she and the world fell in love with, describing the moments where his true self shines through despite his illness. She emphasized her unwavering commitment to providing him with the utmost care, just as he had done for her throughout the years.
In summary, Jack Hanna, a highly respected zoologist and beloved TV host recognized for his dedication to animal conservation, has been living with dementia since 2019. For two long years, at Jack’s request, his family dutifully kept his diagnosis hidden. However, in 2021, due to emerging controversies and in an effort to safeguard his remarkable legacy, they made the difficult decision to share his condition with the public. As his illness progresses, Jack faces the heartbreaking reality of not recognizing his loved ones, including the extent of his own diagnosis. Nevertheless, his devoted wife Suzi remains steadfast in her unwavering love and care for him throughout this challenging journey.
