The Jack Hanna the world once knew is gone.
At age 76, Alzheimer’s disease has stripped away his memory and the life he led in the public eye for almost a half century. 1/
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He was first diagnosed in the fall of 2019 with early Alzheimer's but now the disease has advanced to the point where he doesn't know most of his own family. 2/
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Hanna built the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium into one of the nation's best. He then captivated national audiences on David Letterman’s late-night talk show, "Good Morning America" and a number of his own Emmy-winning animal series that still run in syndication. 3/
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Gone is the old Jack who enchanted nearly everyone he met with his Tennessee farm boy charm and endless funny stories. Gone are the khakis and the worn, leather outback hat that he made famous around the globe. 4/
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“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," his wife Suzi said. 5/
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This is the first time the Hanna family has spoken publicly about their struggle with a disease that afflicts an estimated 6.7 million people in the United States. Read the full story in this Dispatch exclusive. 6/
#thelongestday
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@DispatchAlerts
I watched Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures before school every morning for years as a kid. It sucks seeing your heroes whittle away.
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@DispatchAlerts
Outstanding piece of reporting and photography by Mike Wagner and Adam Cairns, respectively. Done so on so many levels, too. Well done, gentlemen. I'm sure it was much more difficult to produce than anyone will know, but it will be so important for so many others.
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@DispatchAlerts
Jack was brilliant for the Columbus Zoo. We all miss his presence and wit. Alzheimer's is a beastly disease. Prayers for Jack and the Hanna family. 💔
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@DispatchAlerts
It was a great life. Let’s celebrate the man for all he did and accept him as he is now.
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@DispatchAlerts
Beautifully-written article offering an opportunity for others to learn more about Alzheimer’s and the impact to loved ones and careers. Many thanks to the family for sharing their perspective on a painful, private topic.
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@DispatchAlerts
I read the article this morning. So sad. Thanks to Jack and Suzi and their daughters for all they did for the Columbus Zoo and the central Ohio. Love the Zoo that Jack built.
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@DispatchAlerts
Thank you to the Hanna family for your willingness to share about Jack. So many have had family members who have suffered from the same disease and yet so many have yet to experience it. Such insight and reporting, no doubt, will help others. Thank you!
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