Well, three days into 2021 and so far no earth-shattering disasters. I'll take it as a good start. As the new year begins, there is one familiar face who won't be helping to steer the zoo and aquarium community into the future. After 42 years (including his tenure as Director Emeritus) at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Jungle Jack Hanna is hanging up his hat.
Hanna is responsible in large part for taking a small, relatively obscure zoo in Powell, Ohio and turning it into one of the largest, most progressive, and often regarded as best zoos in America, certainly one of the best in the central part of the country. It's growth and progress continues to unfold with the opening of new exhibits, such as last year's Adventure Cove. His impact was most visible in the world of zoo education - for every visitor who walked through the gates of the Columbus Zoo, there were scores more who made Hanna's acquaintance on a TV screen.
Jungle Jack Hanna retires from Columbus Zoo
Hanna followed in the footsteps of other zoo TV personalities, such as Marlin Perkins, but greatly expanded the popular appeal of zoos, bringing animals onto TV programs with a groundbreaking ambassador program, as well as bringing TV to the animals. Towards the end of his career, Columbus became one of many zoos across the nation to have its own TV show, depicting life behind the scenes caring for the animals. I attribute the recent rebound in popularity for zoos and aquariums in no small part on shows like these.
Jack Hanna's 42 years at Columbus witnessed so many changes outside of the TV studio, from advances in zoo husbandry and care standards (resulting, in part, in the first birth of a gorilla in a zoo, which was also part of Hanna's legacy) to an increased involvement, in some cases leadership, with conservation efforts in the wild.
Enjoy retirement, Mr. Hanna. If you get bored with golf or whatever, remember - the zoo is still there.
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