Jack Hanna’s Family Gives Heartbreaking Update on His Alzheimer’s Battle
Famed zookeeper Jack Hanna, who is known for shows such as Animal Adventures and his regular appearances on the likes of The Late Show with David Letterman and Good Morning America, is continuing to battle with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
The former director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was diagnosed with the disease in October 2019, and now his family has opened up about his health.
“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,” his family told People. “Each day, we do our best to find joy – even when things are challenging.”
The statement continued, “We hope that sharing Jack’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings awareness to the disease that affects almost 7 million Americans and their families.”
The Everett Collection
Hanna retired from public life in 2021, and he and his wife, Suzi, moved to Montana. In a 2023 interview with The Columbus Dispatch, Suzi and the couple’s daughters, Kathaleen, Suzanne, and Julie, said that Hanna only remembers his wife, his dog Brassy, and sometimes, his eldest daughter, Kathaleen.
Jack Hanna with his wife Suzi and daughters Kathaleen, Suzanne, and Julie; Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
“The Jack people knew isn’t here anymore, but pieces of my husband are,” Suzi, who married Hanna in 1968, shared. “And I’m going to hang onto them for as long as I can.”
She added, “My husband is still in there somewhere… There are still those sweet, tender moments — you know, pieces of him that made me and the rest of the world fall in love with him. 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.”
Following his diagnosis, Columbus Zoo shared a statement, writing, “While Jack retired from his official role at the end of 2020, his legacy will be ever-present in our work as we continue to fulfill our organization’s mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife.”
Conversation43 Comments
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O
I still watch his shows every sat. Morning. I just watched it this morning. Jack's into the wild with his wife Susie. God Bless you both. All my love prayers and blessings to you and family. Cherish every second no matter how tough of day. . My mother passed 5 yrs ago. I miss her terribly. Praying.
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I feel so bad for the Hanna family my heart and prayers goes out to all of them. May god bring better days for them and jack to rest easy. Love you Jack and Suzi i miss seeing you both teaching us about our wildlife and animals.Thank you so much!! 🙏🙏🙏
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My heart goes out to Jack and his family. I feel your pain. I lost both my mom and my dad to this cruel disease. Stay strong
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L
So sorry for Jack Hanna, yet I love the way Susi is taking care of him. Blessings to her and their family and hang in there.
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G
His love for animals has always kept me in awh of his adventures. Think that is why I became a Vet Tech. He and his family are in my prayers!!
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Watching Into the Wild now with Jack and Suzi. This program will continue to run in the future, so Jack's adventures and his contributions with wife Suzi in their adventures will live on for our grandchildren. A great legacy for the future protectors of magnificent animals.
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I just watched one today also. January 4th 2025. My thoughts and prayers to Jack and the whole family. We live in NC.
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B
Just Lost My Wife, To Dementia, After A 12 Year Battle, with the disease! She was my Princess!
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So sorry to hear that Michael, hang in there and relay on those you love.
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R
Thank you to guys for making us a part of your family for years. My prayers for your family. When Jack was created they truly broke the mold.
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I adore each and every one of you in this precious animal- loving family! My mother said I was an animal lover at a very young age- and I connect with anyone else who is as well!
I still do love some of these marvelous reruns that were so down to earth and realistic and informational on Jack Hanna's adventures!
I cared for some elderly aunts And then my mother for a few years- and Susie, my heart goes out to you as a caretaker!
I know it takes a lot out of you and I know God will give you the strength to continue to love on that precious man of yours-- You've shown much of the world that watches that show your love and kindness not just to animals but to each other. And that has been a precious gift to us all!
I will pray that you'll have some marvelous little moments with Jack and that he gives you the strength physically, emotionally and spiritually to do what you know needs to be done!!
God's blessings to each and every one of you!
Lenae in Sunny AZ
PS. So often I was so jealous that you got to be up close and personal to so many animals- what a dream come true!
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In honor of Jack Hanna ask everyone to send 2 dollars or 2 million dollars to help the dreams he has always had! To the Columbus zoo or to the Wilds just somewhere! I cannot afford $25 like lots and lots of people, but 2 of 5 is ok!
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C
I still watch his shows and also my sister does too. I love watching them. Gold Bless You Both.
I get to watch them on the weekends early morning or middle of the day there are 2 shows on
Saturdays. Thank you so much for sharing these shows with us all.
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I'm watching it right now in Pa.
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I watch Into the Wild every Saturday. I love his shows and how much he cares for the animals. I cannot believe he is gone from us now with that terrible disease. Praying for him and his beautiful family. Take care Jack...you are so truly missed. God Bless you always.
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Saw Jack in 2020 at Ft. Pierce Fl.He was doing a 90 minute show on informal talks and animal experiences.Got to talk to Jack for about 5 minutes before the show started.He was very funny.Jack said the worst animal bite he ever received was from a beaver they had on the David Letterman show. Bit him right in the stomach.Jack left the show and raced down the street to hospital emergency.Woman at the emergency room saw him and reported it as a gunshot wound.He told her he had been bitten by a beaver.Hilarious.Love you Jack.May God be with you.
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We watch jack and suzi every Saturday morning into the wild and will continue to do so as long as we can we miss them so much I pray thatGod will heal this good man and give his family peace
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I'VE BEEN BIGGEST FAN OF JACK HANNA AND FAMILY. I LIVE IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, THANK YOU FOR MY WILDLIFE EDUCATION JACK.
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C
I’m sitting here on Saturday morning (as I do each Saturday) watching INTO THE WILD. I enjoy it so much. I’ve always wondered if Jack watches his shows and remembers them?? I’ve been a caregiver for my elderly mom and it was a struggle sometimes but nothing, as I could imagine, as caring with someone with Alzheimer’s. I pray God blesses you and gives you a miracle each and every day. From a devoted fan.
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love him so much
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There is no better of a man living in the world than Jack Hanna. Still watch his Saturday morning shows. And his wife is an angel from heaven.
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K
I watched Jack Hannah with my children and grandchildren and now I watch him with prayers and love of his family and animals!😥
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I'M WATCHING HIS SHOW WITH SUZIE RIGHT NOW. I LOOK FORWARD TO WATCHING HIM ON SATURDAY'S AND HIS WIFE. HE HAS BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY~ TO SO MANY. ON THOSE HARD TIMES~ REMEMBER THAT HE MADE SO MANY PEOPLE HAPPY. Prayer's for A CURE. ❤ 💖
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My thoughts and prayers are with the Hanna family. God Bless you!
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I watch and have watched many years? I’m so sorry all this has happened and i know that there
Are
Some tough times? I pray for each of you cause knowing all that we go through? I know God will never leave us or forsake us us that is what He says. So just hold on to what was and what is and Gid will see you through God Bless from the Holmes Family
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God bless him and his family at this trying time.
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K
LenaeandZoo,
Today, I happened upon the wknd. Jack Hanna show and stopped to watch. I then did a search for any recent news of him and here I am. I feel exactly as you do. I agree with every word you wrote, and you wrote it so beautifully.
I too love animals and the home I grew up in was a literal menagerie. My father had Alzheimer’s in his late 70’s and passed about 10 years later. It is a heartbreaking disease, and I know that what they are going through is simply indescribable.
Susie, my mother took care of dad as you are your husband. It took a lot out of her, and please ask for help whenever you need it if you are not already.
Take care.
Karen in Southern CA
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My Wife, Dementia Begginnings, At Age 58, Watched Over Her, For Many Years, She Died In My Loving Arms, Three Years, Ago, At Age 74! Her Last Few Years, Were Not Good! “My Princess”
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It makes me cry. I went through this with my Grandma and then my mother we loved them so much and they loved us so much and it hurts so bad to know some days they don't remember But I know deep down they do stay strong.
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R
Why doesn't his grandson do the show
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O
I still watch Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures. I love every moment of it.
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C
I record Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild. I grew up & have always lived in urban settings, but do enjoy camping! This series brings me closer to nature & animals, it always gives me a sense of peace, puts a smile in my heart and has educated me about all things within the animal & insect kingdoms all over the world. I love the interaction between Jack & Suzi. Jack is the stoic one & Suzi is more kick back! They balance each other. My heart is heavy hearing about Jack’s diagnosis, I sent Suzi, the family & loved ones my prayers & positive thoughts during this sensitive & crucial time.
I thank Jack & Suzi for such a noble & needed service & for the wildlife advocacy they provide. You are all loved! May God’s mercy & grace be with ya all during this time💔🙏🏽
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Jack has always been an inspiration both with his obvious love for all wildlife but also his love for family. The pleasure he shows when sharing a trip with his grandchildren, children and Suzi makes me so happy!!! A truly great man! I’m sorry his life had to end this way but what a life he had!!! My prayers are with you all as you care for him and that he has a peaceful transition to his next life.
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We have always enjoyed Jack Hanna's show. Our hearts & prayers go out to Jack & his family. God bless you & Jesus is always with you. We love you Jack
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P
I will always be thankful for Jack and Suzie’s wildlife shows. I still watch them every Saturday morning. Prayers for the Hanna family during this difficult time. My family has traveled this heart breaking road too.
Jack will always be loved and an American hero for his love of wildlife!
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I had the pleasure of meeting him once. He is such an amazing man. You can tell his genuine passion for animals and all the work he does. He also enjoyed meeting each and every person on his journeys. Because of his love, care and passion for animals, he made us all have a deeper love and respect for them as well. I wish for the family to enjoy every loving moment with Jack.
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God Bless you!! My Dad Died of Alzheimer’s Disease and the reward my Mother got for taking care of him and then visiting him in an Alzheimer’s Unit was she developed Parkinson’s Dementia like her father!! And I was the one child of us four kids that live here while they all live in other states too!!! She is gone too. These are horrific Diseases!!!
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Hugs to Jack, Suzie and the family. It's hard to lose his humor, knowledge, curiosity, and love of animals. He and his family should be proud of what he did.
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Still watching Jack and Suzy every Saturday morning. Prayers with family as they follow the disease of Alzheimer’s with their dad.
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I luv to watch his shows and adventures, I wish him and his family well, 💖
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C
Sweet memories of my lazy days watching the TV Jack Hanna shows .... .....
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G
Heartbreaking. It's sad to see someone so driven and dedicated go to zero. I watch the David Letterman and Jack Hanna videos all the time and they're so cute.
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Quick reminder that, while Alzheimer's is tragic for anyone and the families it affects, Jack Hanna was still exposed as someone bidding on black market animal auctions for his TV appearances only to discard them to private owners and roadside zoos. The Columbus Zoo also publicly distanced themselves from him, in spite of their efforts to protect him and opposing the Big Cat Public Safety Act. If you haven't seen the documentary, it's called The Conservation Game.
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