‘Continues to decline’: ‘Jungle Jack’ Hanna’s family gives health update

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(WJW) – The family of Jack Hanna shared more about the man’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the effects that come with it.

The zookeeper, television personality and former director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was diagnosed with the disease in October 2019 and officially retired from his conservation duties in late 2020.

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Hanna’s family said in a statement to PEOPLE that his symptoms are continuing to progress.

“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,” Hanna’s family said, according to PEOPLE. “We hope that sharing Jack’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings awareness to the disease that affects almost 7 million Americans and their families.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and causes a decline in memory, thinking, learning and organizing skills over time. It usually affects people over the age of 65.

There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

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Hanna’s daughters first revealed his diagnosis on the Columbus Zoo Facebook page in April of 2021. At the time, the zoo said in part, “We are saddened by the latest news of Jungle Jack’s dementia diagnosis, now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease. 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.”

In June of 2023, Hanna’s family updated the public on social media about his condition saying, “While Dad/Jack is still mobile, his mind fails him, the light in his eyes has dimmed, and we miss who he was each and every moment of the day. We have been so grateful for your kind messages, words of support, and the privacy you have afforded our family over the last 2+ years.”

Hanna, also known as “Jungle Jack,” served as director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from 1978 to 1992.

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